Jus soli (English: /dʒʌs ˈsoʊlaɪ/ juss SOH-ly or /juːs ˈsoʊli/ yooss SOH-lee, Latin: [juːs ˈsɔliː]), meaning 'right of soil', is the right of anyone born in the territory of a state to nationality or citizenship. Jus soli was part of the English common law, in contrast to jus sanguinis ('right of blood') associated with the French Civil Code of 1804.
Jus soli is the predominant rule in the Americas; explanations for this geographical phenomenon include: the establishment of lenient laws by past European colonial powers to entice immigrants from the Old World and displace native populations in the New World, along with the emergence of successful wars of independence movements that widened the definition and granting of citizenship, as a prerequisite to the abolishment of slavery since the 19th century.