Birthright citizenship, or jus soli (right of the soil), grants automatic citizenship to children born within a country’s borders, regardless of their parents’ nationality.
While the United States’ policy faces legal challenges in 2025 due to a controversial executive order attempting to limit it for children of undocumented immigrants, many countries still uphold jus soli.
Here’s a concise look at 10 countries offering unrestricted birthright citizenship in 2025, highlighting their policies and nuances.
1. Canada
Children born on Canadian soil, including in its airspace or waters, automatically receive citizenship, except if parents are foreign diplomats. This inclusive policy, unchanged in 2025, supports integration and prevents statelessness, though debates on “birth tourism” persist.
2. Mexico
Per Article 30 of Mexico’s Constitution, anyone born in Mexican territory is a natural-born citizen, regardless of parental status. Parents can later apply for citizenship after two years of residency and passing language and history exams.
3. Brazil
Brazil grants citizenship to all children born in its territory, with no restrictions based on parents’ nationality or immigration status. This policy remains a cornerstone of Brazil’s inclusive approach to nation-building.
4. Argentina
Argentina offers unrestricted jus soli, automatically granting citizenship to anyone born on its soil, except children of foreign diplomats. This reflects its historical encouragement of immigration to the Americas.
5. Costa Rica
Children born in Costa Rica gain citizenship, provided they are registered with the government before age 25. This straightforward policy supports the country’s commitment to reducing statelessness.
6. Jamaica
Jamaica provides automatic citizenship to those born within its borders, with exceptions for children of diplomats or parents from nations at war with Jamaica. The policy remains unchanged in 2025.
7. Antigua and Barbuda
This Caribbean nation grants citizenship to anyone born on its soil, except children of diplomats or parents from hostile countries. Its jus soli policy is a draw for families seeking global mobility.
8. Bolivia
Bolivia’s unrestricted birthright citizenship applies to all children born in its territory, fostering inclusion in a historically diverse nation. No changes to this policy were noted in 2025.
9. Lesotho
One of Africa’s few jus soli nations, Lesotho grants citizenship to children born on its soil, regardless of parental status, with exceptions for diplomats’ children. This policy remains steady in 2025.
10. Tuvalu
This Pacific island nation offers unrestricted birthright citizenship to anyone born in its territory. Its small population and remote location make it a unique case, with no policy shifts reported in 2025.
These countries’ jus soli policies ensure children have legal protections, access to services, and global mobility, while preventing statelessness. However, debates over “birth tourism” and resource allocation are growing, as seen in Canada and Mexico. Unlike the U.S., where 2025 executive actions have sparked legal battles, these nations maintain stable, inclusive citizenship laws.
Birthright citizenship remains a powerful tool for inclusion, especially in the Americas, where most jus soli countries are located.
For families planning their child’s future, these nations offer opportunities for security and mobility.
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