Question

Which country does NOT allow Jus soli?

• A. USA
• B. Canada
• C. Japan
• D. Mexico

Hint:

Remember the general pattern: Most countries in the Americas (North and South) follow \textit{Jus soli}. Most countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa follow \textit{Jus sanguinis}. India also primarily follows \textit{Jus sanguinis}, with some limited provisions for \textit{Jus soli}.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding Citizenship Principles
The question asks to identify the country from the list that does not grant citizenship based on the principle of \textit{Jus soli}.


Jus soli (Latin for "right of the soil"): This is the principle of birthright citizenship. A person automatically acquires citizenship of a country by being born within its territory, regardless of the citizenship of their parents.
Jus sanguinis (Latin for "right of blood"): This is the principle where citizenship is determined by the nationality of one or both parents, not by the place of birth.

Step 2: Classifying the Countries' Citizenship Laws


(A) USA: The United States grants citizenship to nearly all individuals born within its territory, based on the Citizenship Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. It is a prime example of a \textit{Jus soli} country.
(B) Canada: Canada also follows the principle of \textit{Jus soli}, granting citizenship to anyone born on Canadian soil, with very few exceptions.
(C) Japan: Japan's nationality law is based exclusively on the principle of \textit{Jus sanguinis}. A person acquires Japanese nationality at birth only if at least one of their parents is a Japanese citizen. Being born in Japan does not, by itself, grant citizenship.
(D) Mexico: Mexico also follows the principle of \textit{Jus soli}, granting citizenship to those born in its territory.

Step 3: Final Answer
The USA, Canada, and Mexico all allow Jus soli. Japan follows Jus sanguinis and does not grant citizenship simply based on birth within its territory. Therefore, option (C) is the correct answer.