Final answer:
Children born on U.S. soil are granted citizenship through the Fourteenth Amendment's concept of jus soli. Children born abroad to U.S. citizens are typically granted automatic citizenship. Adults not born in the U.S. seeking citizenship must meet several requirements, including a minimum age, years of residence, and English proficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing the citizenship of children born in the United States, it's essential to refer to the Fourteenth Amendment's concept of jus soli, meaning 'right of birthplace.' Any child born on U.S. soil, regardless of parents' citizenship, is automatically a citizen. However, obtaining citizenship for children born abroad to a U.S. citizen typically confers automatic citizenship on the child.
The diverse circumstances of migrant children can be complex, including the need for some to undergo immigration hearings for asylum, as established by bipartisan legislation in 2008. For those interested in obtaining citizenship who were not born in the U.S., they must meet specific requirements, such as being at least 18 years of age, being a lawful permanent resident, residing in the U.S. as a resident for five years, physical presence in the U.S. for 30 months, possessing good moral character, and having adequate English language proficiency.