Natural-born question

The World
The World

(Does the constitution specify who qualifies as a natural born citizen?) No, it doesn’t. there’s little in the legislative history of the constitution that explains the meaning of natural born. (So if this legislation passes, what will this mean for McCain and others born to military personal serving overseas?) That’s unclear. What I would argue is that McCain has very strong arguments. The Framers were worried about foreign born nobility coming to the US, probably, and in particular from England or Prussia and then slip into the leadership ranks of the new country. this bill wouldn’t even touch the situation of people like Governor Schwarzenegger. The issue of someone like McCain has come up from time to time. This has been an issue for quite some time.

Invest in independent global news

The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!