Legal Definitions - Citizenship Clause

The Citizenship Clause is a part of the United States Constitution that states that anyone who is born or naturalized in the United States is automatically a citizen of both the United States and the state they live in. This clause is found in the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution.

For example, if someone is born in New York City, they are automatically a citizen of the United States and the state of New York. Similarly, if someone immigrates to the United States and goes through the process of becoming a naturalized citizen, they are also considered a citizen of the United States and the state they live in.

The Citizenship Clause is important because it ensures that everyone who is born or naturalized in the United States is granted the same rights and protections as any other citizen. This includes the right to vote, the right to free speech, and the right to a fair trial.