What legal term is used to refer to the right to US citizenship based on being born on American soil?

The legal term that refers to the right to U.S. citizenship based on being born on American soil is "jus soli." This Latin phrase translates to "right of the soil" and is significant in the context of nationality laws. In the United States, anyone born within the territory of the country is automatically granted citizenship, as established by the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. This principle ensures that citizenship is not dependent on the nationality of one's parents but rather on the location of birth.

In contrast, "jus sanguinis," or "right of blood," pertains to citizenship determined by one's parents' nationality, while "ius civis" relates to civil rights or citizenship in a more general sense. "Ius populi" refers more broadly to the rights of the people but is less commonly used in the context of citizenship. Therefore, "jus soli" is the correct term in this case, as it specifically encapsulates the birthright citizenship recognized in U.S. law.