The Constitution includes a provision intended to prevent states from discriminating against citizens of other states. This ensures that individuals traveling or residing temporarily in a different state are afforded fundamental rights and legal protections comparable to those enjoyed by the state’s own residents. For example, a citizen of Texas visiting California should have the same right to access the state’s courts as a Californian citizen.
This constitutional guarantee fosters national unity and economic integration by preventing states from creating barriers that would hinder interstate commerce or the free movement of people. It reinforces the principle that citizens of the United States are entitled to certain core benefits and legal safeguards regardless of their state of residence. Historically, it has played a role in preventing discriminatory practices and ensuring equal treatment under the law.
