Citizenship

If you were born outside the U.S. and one or both of your parents were U.S. citizens when you were born, you may have derived citizenship through the parent or parents. There are additional requirements depending upon your parent?s presence in the United States and the time of your parent?s marriage. Some individuals may claim citizenship through a grandparent.

Child Citizenship Act of 2000

Since February 27, 2001, certain foreign-born children of U.S. citizens residing permanently in the United States acquire citizenship automatically. The child

  • Must be under 18 years of age
  • Must have at least one parent who is a US citizen.
  • Must reside permanently in the United States in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent; and
  • Must have been admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident.