The inhabitants of the English colonies of North America have the rights:
2. That our ancestors, who first settled these colonies, were at the time of their emigration from the mother country entitled to all rights, liberties, and immunities (freedom from tax) of free and natural-born subjects within the realm of England.
===> does this mean that all the colonists who were born in America cannot be governed by the British laws because they were technically born in "America" and not in Britain?
No. It means that the people who lived in the English colonies were subject to the laws of Britain.
Based on the information provided, it appears that the stated rights of the English colonies of North America emphasize the entitlement of the colonists to the same rights, liberties, and immunities as free and natural-born subjects within England. However, it does not necessarily mean that colonists born in America cannot be governed by British laws.
The phrase "entitled to all rights, liberties, and immunities of free and natural-born subjects within the realm of England" indicates that the colonists expected to enjoy the same rights as those living in England. This means they believed they should be afforded the same legal protections and freedoms that English citizens possessed.
However, it is important to note that while the colonists desired these rights, the actual implementation and enforcement of British laws in the colonies varied over time. The relationship between the colonies and the British government evolved and eventually led to developments such as the American Revolutionary War and the independence of the United States.
To gain a more comprehensive understanding of how British laws applied to the colonists, it would be helpful to explore historical sources and scholarly works that detail the specific legal framework and historical context of the English colonies in North America. These sources can provide insights into how British laws were interpreted and enforced in the colonies.