Fact Check: "Court rules Thomas was not born 'in the United States' under the 14th Amendment."
What We Know
The claim that a court ruled Thomas was not born "in the United States" under the 14th Amendment appears to stem from a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of legal proceedings and constitutional interpretation. The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states that all persons born or naturalized in the United States are citizens of the United States. This has been a cornerstone of citizenship law since its ratification in 1868.
There have been various legal challenges and discussions regarding the interpretation of the 14th Amendment, particularly in relation to birthright citizenship. However, as of now, there has been no definitive court ruling that categorically states that an individual named Thomas was not born in the United States under this amendment.
Analysis
The claim lacks credible evidence and appears to be based on either a misinterpretation of legal rulings or a conflation of different cases. Courts have consistently upheld the principle of birthright citizenship as outlined in the 14th Amendment. For instance, in United States v. Wong Kim Ark (1898), the Supreme Court affirmed that a child born in the U.S. to foreign parents is a U.S. citizen.
Moreover, discussions around the 14th Amendment often involve political and social debates rather than concrete legal rulings against specific individuals. Claims that suggest a court has made a ruling against a specific person, like Thomas, typically require substantial legal documentation or a specific case reference, which is absent in this instance.
The reliability of sources making such claims should be critically assessed. Many times, claims circulating on social media or less reputable news outlets may lack the necessary legal context or may be sensationalized for impact. Without a clear citation of a court case or legal document supporting this claim, it remains unsubstantiated.
Conclusion
Verdict: False. The claim that a court ruled Thomas was not born "in the United States" under the 14th Amendment is misleading and lacks credible evidence. The 14th Amendment continues to affirm birthright citizenship, and no specific ruling has been identified that contradicts this principle for any individual named Thomas.
