Understanding the Role of 'Natural Born Citizen' for U.S. President

The term 'natural born citizen' as it pertains to the eligibility for the U.S. presidency is a subject that often elicits much debate and misunderstanding. While the U.S. Constitution does not provide a detailed definition of this term, its meaning has been clarified through legal interpretations and historical precedents. This article aims to dispel common misconceptions and provide clarity on what is required for an individual to be considered a 'natural born citizen'.

The Constitutional Definition and Debates

The U.S. Constitution, in Article II, Section 1, outlines the qualifications for the presidency, stating that one must be a 'natural born citizen' of the United States. However, the exact meaning of 'natural born' has been subject to much debate and has led to various interpretations. Bob Trump's assertion that Ted Cruz could not be president is a prime example of these debates. It is important to note that despite such claims, the current legal framework does not support this interpretation.

Common Misconceptions and Myths

One of the most notable misunderstandings involves Barack Obama's birthplace. There were claims that since Obama was born in Hawaii, he could not have been a 'natural born citizen' due to simplistic assumptions about Hawaiian culture. However, these claims were entirely fabricated and without merit. The term 'natural born citizen' applies not only to those born within the fifty states but also includes individuals born in U.S. territories and children born to American citizens, regardless of their place of birth.

Clarifying the Legal Definitions

Legally, the term 'natural born citizen' is understood to include anyone born abroad to American citizen parents. According to U.S. law, any child born outside the U.S. to American citizen parents is considered a U.S. citizen at birth, thereby meeting the eligibility requirements for the presidency. Similarly, individuals born in U.S. territories like Puerto Rico are also eligible to be citizens and, by extension, could run for the presidency.

The requirement for the presidency is more straightforward when it comes to those born in the U.S. itself or to U.S. citizens abroad. However, there are additional stipulations such as age and residency requirements that must be met.

The Historical and Legal Context

American common law, which the constitutional framers likely drew upon, supports the notion that children born within the allegiance or jurisdiction of the United States, including those born to U.S. citizen parents in foreign lands due to U.S. government employment, like the military, would qualify as 'natural born citizens.' This interpretation aligns with the intent to expand the pool of eligible candidates to include those whose loyalty and connection to the country are clear.

Eligibility and Eligibility Considerations

While the term 'natural born citizen' itself is not explicitly defined, the consensus is that anyone born in the U.S. is a 'natural born citizen' by virtue of their birthright citizenship. This interpretation has gained widespread acceptance and is used to determine eligibility for the presidency.

It is important to differentiate between being a 'natural born citizen' and being a U.S. citizen who was not born in the U.S. The latter, while eligible for U.S. citizenship through naturalization, does not qualify for the presidency based on the constitutional requirement of 'natural born citizenship.'

As for other scenarios such as being born via cesarean section or through in vitro fertilization, these do not change the eligibility for the presidency as they pertain to the method of birth rather than the citizenship status.

Conclusion

The eligibility criteria for the U.S. presidency, including the requirement of being a 'natural born citizen,' remains a subject of public interest and scrutiny. By understanding the legal and historical context, we can better appreciate the depth of the U.S. Constitution and its application to the qualifications for the highest office in the land.