> What would the system be as an alternative? You are born stateless and have the ability to declare (or in harsher terms, need to audition for) citizenship to

> What would the system be as an alternative? You are born stateless and have the ability to declare (or in harsher terms, need to audition for) citizenship to a country of your choosing? That sounds like a fine plan to me. "Auditioning" could consist of military or other volunteer service. > At what age? 18, unless you're an orphan or emancipated, in which case you can do it sooner. Before that you inherit the citizenship of your parents or legal guardians, but only until you turn 18. Then you have to choose. Most people would choose to retain the citizenship they grew up with, but it would have to be an affirmative decision. I don't think it's right to be a citizen of a country to which you have not pledged allegiance as an adult.