Definition of Terms From: The EUDO Glossary on Citizenship and Nationality 13 (with the exception of those terms marked by an asterisk) Acquisition of nationality at birth Any mode of acquisition of nationality that: either occurs automatically (ex lege) and immediately at birth; or can occur immediately after birth by declaration, registration, making use of an option or similar action because all the conditions for acquisition had already been met at the time of birth Automatic acquisition of nationality Any ex lege mode of acquisition of nationality, i.e. acquisition of nationality by an act of law that does not require some form of expression of intent (application, declaration, making use of an option or similar action) by the target person or his or her legal agent in order to acquire nationality * Automatic modes are those where a change in nationality status takes place by operation of law (ex lege). According to automatic modes, nationality is acquired as soon as criteria set forth by law are met, such as birth on a territory or birth to nationals of a state. By contrast, in non-automatic modes an act of the individual or a state authority is required before the change in nationality status takes place. (UNHCR Handbook on Protection of Stateless Persons, June 30, 2014, p. 13 available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/53b676aa4.htm) Discretionary naturalization —acquisition by discretionary naturalization Acquisition of nationality following a decision by the public authorities that is not based on a subjective entitlement by the target person. The target person may, but need not, be granted nationality if the conditions specified in the law have been met. BORN IN THE AMERICAS 17