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You could argue that a person born to American parents outside the U.S. is a citizen, but not a natural born citizen.

But in Obama’s case, I’m saying if he was born outside the U.S. he was not even a citizen.

BTW, I could never be President. My parents, both Americans, were missionaries and I was born a U.S. Citizen—but not eligible for President. (At least that’s the way I’ve always understood it.)

BTW, I could never be President. My parents, both Americans, were missionaries and I was born a U.S. Citizen—but not eligible for President.

Dang. And I was gonna vote for you.

Bagster

Lesser Oracle

-- You could argue that a person born to American parents outside the U.S. is a citizen, but not a natural born citizen. --

That is exactly what the law is. Congress can make anybody a citizen, Congress has the power of naturalization. There are naturalization statutes that operate more or less automatically, likely in your case, parents citizens, you born off the soil. Parents petition for your citizenship before you are able to speak, and you get it - by operation of a statute. You are naturalized in the legal sense, without personally going through a naturalization process or ceremony.

If it wasn't for the statute, you'd be an alien.

If it takes a statute to make you a citizen, you aren't a natural citizen.

If both your patents are citizens, and you are born on the soil - no question. Any other circumstance (and there are many possibilities here), there is a question.

-- in Obama's case, I'm saying if he was born outside the U.S. he was not even a citizen. --

Agreed.