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Quote#Wisdom

It is an established maxim that birth is a criterion of allegiance.…

Quote byJames Madison · 1751–1836

Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: As quoted in "Constitutional Originalism Requires Birthright Citizenship" (9 September 2018), by Dan McLaughlin, National Review.

English (original)

It is an established maxim that birth is a criterion of allegiance. Birth however derives its force sometimes from place and sometimes from parentage, but in general place is the most certain criterion; it is what applies in the United States; it will therefore be unnecessary to investigate any other.

— James Madison

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