"Dear Members and Friends,

 There is a lot of talk south of our border about ending birthright citizenship. This poses some concerns and is striking fears in the minds of persons who are not citizens of the U.S.A. Where does Canada stand on the issue of birthright citizenship?

 The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution states “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” According to CNN, Donald Trump’s administration claims that children born to undocumented immigrants, or to foreigners who are in the U.S legally but on temporary visas, are not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the U.S and therefore not citizens.

 At present, pursuant to the Canadian Citizenship Act, children born in Canada after February 14, 1977, regardless of their parents’ immigration status (i.e: undocumented or temporary immigrants), have the right to automatic Canadian citizenship. One exception relates to children born in Canada of foreign representatives enjoying special status under the Foreign Missions and International Organizations Act (i.e: foreign diplomats, consular officers, etc.). They do not automatically acquire Canadian citizenship by birth; however, they may obtain a birth certificate and may later become naturalized Canadian citizens by meeting stipulated residency obligations. Children born outside Canada after February 14, 1977 to a parent who holds Canadian citizenship at the time of their birth have a right to Canadian citizenship.

 You may check the following link to the Government of Canada’s website to determine if you or someone else may be a Canadian citizen.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-citizenship/become-canadian-citizen/eligibility/already-citizen.html

 I just want to offer some insight to the public that, unlike the U.S Constitution, this matter of birthright citizenship is not covered in our Canadian Constitution but is covered in the Canadian Citizenship Act. This may be noteworthy considering that we will likely have a federal election this year.

 Regards,

Sandra Sutherland, RCIC-IRB

Suthern Immigration &
              Paralegal Services Inc.

(416) 431-2829 Office

Providing Professional and Personalized service

Warm Regards,

The St. Vincent and Grenadines Association of Toronto Inc. (SVGAT)"