The controversy surrounding Barack Obama's birth certificate is one that has persisted throughout his presidency and beyond. It originates from claims made by some individuals that Obama was not born in the United States and for that reason was not eligible to hold the workplace of President. These claims, frequently referred to as the "birther" motion, got traction throughout Obama's 2008 presidential campaign and continued to be a subject of conversation throughout his time in office. The Background: Why the Birth Certificate Was Requested.