[Illusion]

Originally Posted by Gaius

Illusion, even without a Mars colony, parents (and other legal guardians) already have the the right to force their children to live with them, wherever that happens to be. I doubt Mars would be any different, legally. Sure, it might suck to grow up on Mars as a kid, but there are worse places to grow up on Earth. Any Mars colony would have access to all basic necessities, like Coda said, and probably some amenities as well.

As for the child's citizenship status, I think it works just as it does on Earth. If the child is born in a Mars colony that is considered U.S. territory, or if they are born to American parents during an expedition to Mars, then they are an American citizen at birth and may later run for president.

But when he or she reaches the age of 18 do they have the right to leave?

If they were allowed back would the government even allow them the right to live a normal life?

My view is that your forcing the kids to leave here for life while it's great and dandy their parents decide to live here on their on accord they're forcing their children to stay and making the choice for them.