Top 5 Countries That Have Banned or Restricted Birthright Citizenship

Many countries are changing how they decide who becomes a citizen based on where a person is born. This process, known as birthright citizenship, used to mean that almost anyone born in a country could become its citizen automatically. 

But now, some countries want at least one parent to be a citizen or a legal resident before the child can receive citizenship. 

Here are the top 5 countries that have Banned or restricted birthright citizenship:

United States

In the United States, the idea of birthright citizenship has been a hot topic. President Donald Trump wanted to end it with an executive order. 

He signed this order right after becoming president. The order aims to stop giving automatic citizenship to babies born in the U.S. starting from a specific date. Many people think this goes against the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which has allowed birthright citizenship since 1868. 

This amendment was originally made to give citizenship to freed slaves after the Civil War. Legal battles are expected over this change.

Australia 

Previously, Australia offered unrestricted birthright citizenship, but it now requires that at least one parent be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident for a child born in Australia to acquire citizenship automatically.

India 

India has restricted its birthright citizenship to cases where at least one parent is an Indian citizen, and the other parent is not an illegal immigrant at the time of the child’s birth.

Ireland 

Ireland used to offer birthright citizenship but changed its policy in 2005. Now, at least one parent must be an Irish citizen or have resided in Ireland for three of the four years before the child’s birth.

New Zealand 

Similar to Australia, New Zealand also restricted its birthright citizenship policy. Currently, a child born in New Zealand only acquires citizenship if at least one parent is a citizen or a permanent resident.