Kathrine Frich
Citizenship laws in the United States have long been rooted in the principle of birthright citizenship.
This means most individuals born on US soil are automatically granted American nationality. However, there are exceptions, particularly when it comes to foreign diplomats.
That legal distinction is now at the center of a dispute between Washington and Moscow.
Diplomatic dispute
Russia has said it will not accept US citizenship being granted to children born to its diplomats stationed in the United States.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated to Tass that Moscow rejects what she described as the “imposition” of American citizenship on these individuals.
Under US law, most children born in the country receive citizenship automatically under the 14th Amendment.
However, children of foreign diplomats are typically excluded from this rule because their parents are not considered subject to US jurisdiction due to diplomatic immunity.
Russia’s position
Zakharova said Russia expects the US to formally confirm the status of such children in each case.
“The Russian side does not recognize the imposition of US citizenship on Russian citizens born into the families of our diplomatic, administrative-technical, and consular personnel in the United States,” she wrote.
Moscow is seeking assurances that these children are not treated as US citizens and retain protections under international agreements.
Zakharova added that Russia will require “confirmation in each specific case that the newborn is not subject to US jurisdiction and enjoys all the immunities and privileges provided for by the Vienna Conventions on diplomatic and consular relations, as well as by bilateral agreements.”
The Vienna Convention establishes that diplomats and their families are largely exempt from the legal authority of the host country.
Sources: Tass
