Birth Rights Claims

Almost all states in Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania grant citizenship at birth based upon the principle of jus sanguinis (“right of blood”), in which citizenship is inherited through the parents rather than birthplace, or they have a restricted version of jus soli in which citizenship by birthplace is automatic only for the children of certain immigrants.

Jus soli in many cases helps prevent statelessness. Countries that have acceded to the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness are obligated to grant nationality to people born in their territory who would otherwise become stateless persons.

The American Convention on Human Rights similarly provides that “Every person has the right to the nationality of the state in whose territory he was born if he does not have the right to any other nationality.”

Our lawyers at Stoke White can help you process these claims of birth right. Call us today to find out more.