What is the citizenship status of a child born on Kodiak Island, Alaska, to two permanent resident aliens?

• A. USC due to birth on U.S. soil
• B. Alien because both parents are not citizens
• C. Alien since born to permanent residents
• D. USC as a result of being born in a U.S. territory

Answer: (A)

A child born on Kodiak Island, Alaska, is a U.S. citizen due to birth on U.S. soil. Under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, anyone born in the United States is granted citizenship, regardless of the citizenship or immigration status of their parents. This principle of jus soli, or right of soil, applies universally to all individuals born within the country's borders.

While the parents' permanent resident status might raise questions regarding the child's citizenship, it does not negate the child's right to automatic citizenship based on place of birth. Consequently, the child is recognized as a U.S. citizen purely because of being born in a state that is part of the United States, such as Alaska.

Other options may misinterpret the implications of the parents' citizenship status or the nature of U.S. territorial law, but based on the legal understanding of citizenship through birthright, the answer affirming the child's U.S. citizenship stands accurate.