Natural allegiance refers to the loyalty and obedience that individuals owe to their nation by virtue of being born within its territory. This allegiance is an inherent part of being a native-born citizen. From the moment of birth, individuals are considered to have a natural bond with their country, which includes a duty to follow its laws and respect its sovereignty.
Natural allegiance is primarily relevant in the context of citizenship and immigration law. It is a foundational concept in determining the rights and responsibilities of citizens, particularly in cases involving national loyalty, citizenship status, and the legal implications of being a native-born individual.
Users may encounter natural allegiance in various legal situations, including:
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Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A child born in the United States automatically acquires U.S. citizenship and, therefore, natural allegiance to the country. This means they owe loyalty and must follow U.S. laws from the moment of birth.
Example 2: An individual born to U.S. citizen parents while living abroad retains their natural allegiance to the United States, even if they have never lived in the country. (hypothetical example)
Natural allegiance is often discussed in the context of the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States. Additionally, the case of United States v. Wong Kim Ark established significant legal precedent regarding birthright citizenship and natural allegiance.
| Term | Definition | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Naturalization | The legal process by which a non-citizen becomes a citizen. | Natural allegiance is inherent at birth, while naturalization requires a legal process. |
| Civic Duty | The responsibilities of a citizen, such as voting and obeying laws. | Civic duty is a broader concept that includes various responsibilities, while natural allegiance specifically refers to loyalty by birth. |
If you believe natural allegiance applies to your situation, consider the following steps:
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Typical Fees | Varies by legal process (e.g., citizenship application fees) |
| Jurisdiction | Federal and state laws apply |
| Possible Penalties | Legal consequences for failing to fulfill civic duties |
Natural allegiance is the loyalty and obedience owed to a nation by individuals born within its territory.