Final answer:
A child born to a British couple who work at a U.S. consulate in London would not automatically be a U.S. citizen. Citizenship is primarily determined by two principles: jus soli, the right of birthplace, and jus sanguinis, the right of blood. The current law grants citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil or to U.S. citizen parents abroad, provided certain conditions are met.
Step-by-step explanation:
In addressing which child would not have United States citizenship based on the scenarios provided, it's important to consider two main principles of the U.S. citizenship laws: jus soli and jus sanguinis. These principles stand for 'right of the soil' and 'right of blood' respectively. Obtaining citizenship for a child born abroad to a U.S. citizen is usually automatic. However, the Fourteenth Amendment asserts jus soli, meaning any child born on U.S. soil, regardless of the parents' citizenship status, is a U.S. citizen.
Here are the scenarios and an explanation of citizenship status:
- (a) Would be a U.S. citizen by jus sanguinis, since the child is born to U.S. citizens.
- (b) Would be a U.S. citizen by jus soli, as the child is born in San Diego, California, which is U.S. soil.
- (c) Would likely be a U.S. citizen by jus sanguinis, assuming the American parent met certain residency requirements prior to the child's birth.
- (d) Would be a U.S. citizen, regardless of the parents' original nationality, as they are now naturalized citizens and the child is likely born on U.S. soil or meets jus sanguinis requirements.
- (e) Would not be a U.S. citizen by default, as being born in a U.S. consulate does not equate to being born on U.S. soil, and the parents are non-U.S. citizens.
Regarding the Murkowski Amendment, it did not pass, and the current law still grants citizenship to those born on U.S. soil under the Fourteenth Amendment. As for naturalization, one must meet certain criteria and reside in the U.S. for five years, among other requirements, to become a U.S. citizen.