[Petrosius]

So if you are born here by illegal parents you are not subject to the courts and laws that apply here? I’m just trying to understand what that means.

"Subject to the jurisdiction thereof" means to owe allegiance as a member of the society, not just subject to its laws while within its territory. This is what Senator Howard, who wrote the amendment, pointed out in the floor debate. Illegal immigrants legally are merely transient aliens owing no allegiance to the United States. Otherwise the words are superfluous and have no meaning at all.

[Harpotoo]

Thanks EVERYONE!