Trump v. Barbara · ¶468

This understanding of the phrase “subject to the jurisdiction thereof ” also explains why naturalized citizens must foreswear all other allegiances when they become United States citizens. From the earliest days of our Republic until now, Congress has required naturalized citizens to “renounce and abjure absolutely and entirely all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which the applicant was before a subject or citizen.” 8 U. S. C. §1448(a); see Act of Jan. 29, 1795, ch. 20, 1 Stat. 414 (“he doth absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to every foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty . . . whereof he was before a citizen or subject”). Such an oath would not be necessary if the Constitution permitted anything less than exclusive jurisdiction.

slip opinion, revised 7/01/26
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