This last point regarding the difference in citizenship needs further clarification. as there has been extensive debate during the development of H.R. 4765 as to the source and nature of the citizenship one possesses under statehood versus what one possesses under a commonwealth relationship. It is clear that the nature and source of the citizenship of persons within the several States and of persons residing in Puerto Rico is different. and to some. the difference with respect to the irrevocability of citizenship is understandably extremely important. The citizenship of persons residing within the 50 States has been acquired by birth in or naturalization in the United States. as provided in the first sentence of section 1 of the 14th amendment which states: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof. are citizens of the United States wherein they reside." Congress may not take away the citizenship of any 14th amendment citizen. The citizenship. on the other hand. of persons residing in Puerto Rico was conferred by statute. begliming with the 1917 Organic Act and culminating in the 1940 Nationality Act and the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act. Because of the decisions of the Supreme Court in the Insular cases. It seems most likely that persons born in Puerto Rico or naturalized there by statute were not "born or naturalized in the United States" for purposes of inclusion in the first sentence of section 1 of the 14th amendment. Congress Is not forbidden by the 14th amendment from revoking the citizenship of Puerto Ricans while the island remains in a commonwealth relationship status. However.
Keywords matched
naturalization Immigration naturalized