[Yaelle]

“If he gained Indonesian citizenship as a child, it matters if he claimed it as an adult. In fact, for me, this is more important than the BC issue. What citizenship did he claim once he was of age. “

Bingo. This is the most important issue. A BC can be faked. But if he has been claiming allegiance to a country other than the USA as an adult, he is finished.

[melancholy]

Bingo. This is the most important issue. A BC can be faked. But if he has been claiming allegiance to a country other than the USA as an adult, he is finished.

This is why it's important to see his "education" records and what nationality did he write on the application forms. It couldn't have been an "X" like his signature!

[rxsid]

"“If he gained Indonesian citizenship as a child, it matters if he claimed it as an adult. In fact, for me, this is more important than the BC issue. What citizenship did he claim once he was of age. “"

Bingo. This is the most important issue. A BC can be faked. But if he has been claiming allegiance to a country other than the USA as an adult, he is finished

-----------------------------------------

Actually, his citizenship status at birth is the most important issue. The requirement is "natural born Citizen."

Upon Jay's suggestion, the requirement was changed from that of "citizen" (by Hamilton) to that of "natural born Citizen." Jay underlined the word "born" in his letter.

Why?

To suggest that the Commander in Chief of the American army have sole allegiance to the U.S. from birth.

The founders were greatly concerned, and rightly so, of foreign influence upon the councils of the federal government. Especially the Executive branch...which commanded the military.

Many, during the debates in the several states for the ratification of the federal Constitution, had wanted to amend the Constitution to include "natural born Citizen" as a requirement for Senators, Reps and SCOTUS jurists. The argument against (which obviously won) was that such a requirement would hurt immigration to the new country. Something most were wanting to encourage.

I think Attorney Leo Donofrio asked the quintessential question on this issue...

HOW CAN A NATURAL BORN CITIZEN'S STATUS BE "GOVERNED" BY GREAT BRITAIN?