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Citizenship
All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. - XIV Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Citizenship is one of the most coveted gifts that the U.S. government can bestow, and the most important immigration benefit that USCIS can grant. Most people become U.S. citizens in one of two ways:
- By birth, either within the territory of the United States or to U.S. citizen parents, or
- By Naturalization.
In addition, in 2000, Congress passed the Child Citizenship Act (CCA), which allows any child under the age of 18 who is adopted by a U.S. citizen and immigrates to the United States to acquire immediate citizenship.
This channel of USCIS.gov will give you information on the various paths to citizenship. This page can be found by clicking here.
Naturalization
Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is conferred upon a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The general requirements for administrative naturalization include:
- A period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;
- Residence in a particular USCIS District prior to filing;
- An ability to read, write, and speak English;
- A knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government;
- Good moral character;
- Attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and,
- Favorable disposition toward the United States.
Note: Recent changes in immigration law and USCIS procedures now make it easier for U.S. military personnel to naturalize (see Naturalization Information for Military Personnel).
All naturalization applicants must demonstrate good moral character, attachment, and favorable disposition. The other naturalization requirements may be modified or waived for certain applicants, such as spouses of U.S. citizens. Applicants should review the materials listed under "Related Links" and carefully read the N-400 application instructions before applying. This page can be found by clicking here
Naturalization Exam & Lesson
Please click on a link to access the exam in a particular language:
General Naturalization Requirements
Age
Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Refer to the section, Naturalized Citizen's Children under Waivers, Exceptions, and Special Cases for information on applicants who are less than 18 years old.
See Also INA 334
Residency
An applicant must have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence. Lawfully admitted for permanent residence means having been legally accorded the privilege of residing permanently in the United States as an immigrant in accordance with the immigration laws. Individuals who have been lawfully admitted as permanent residents will be asked to produce an I-551, Alien Registration Receipt Card, as proof of their status.
See Also INA 316
Residence and Physical Presence
An applicant is eligible to file if, immediately preceding the filing of the application, he or she:
- Has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence (see preceding section);
- Has resided continuously as a lawful permanent resident in the U.S. for at least 5 years prior to filing with no single absence from the United States of more than one year;
- Has been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the previous five years (absences of more than six months but less than one year shall disrupt the applicant's continuity of residence unless the applicant can establish that he or she did not abandon his or her residence during such period)
has resided within a state or district for at least three months
Good Moral Character
Generally, an applicant must show that he or she has been a person of good moral character for the statutory period (typically five years or three years if married to a U.S. citizen or one year for Armed Forces expedite) prior to filing for naturalization. The Service is not limited to the statutory period in determining whether an applicant has established good moral character. An applicant is permanently barred from naturalization if he or she has ever been convicted of murder. An applicant is also permanently barred from naturalization if he or she has been convicted of an aggravated felony as defined in section 101(a)(43) of the Act on or after November 29, 1990. A person also cannot be found to be a person of good moral character if during the last five years he or she:
- Has committed and been convicted of one or more crimes involving moral turpitude
- Has committed and been convicted of 2 or more offenses for which the total sentence imposed was 5 years or more
- Has committed and been convicted of any controlled substance law, except for a single offense of simple possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana
- Has been confined to a penal institution during the statutory period, as a result of a conviction, for an aggregate period of 180 days or more
- Has committed and been convicted of two or more gambling offenses
- Is or has earned his or her principal income from illegal gambling
- Is or has been involved in prostitution or commercialized vice
- Is or has been involved in smuggling illegal aliens into the United States
- Is or has been a habitual drunkard
- Is practicing or has practiced polygamy
- Has willfully failed or refused to support dependents
- Has given false testimony, under oath, in order to receive a benefit under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
An applicant must disclose all relevant facts to the Service, including his or her entire criminal history, regardless of whether the criminal history disqualifies the applicant under the enumerated provisions.
See Also INA 316
Attachment to the Constitution
An applicant must show that he or she is attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States.
See Also INA 316
Language
Applicants for naturalization must be able to read, write, speak, and understand words in ordinary usage in the English language. Applicants exempt from this requirement are those who on the date of filing:
- Have been residing in the United States subsequent to a lawful admission for permanent residence for periods totaling 15 years or more and are over 55 years of age;
- Have been residing in the United States subsequent to a lawful admission for permanent residence for periods totaling 20 years or more and are over 50 years of age; or
- Have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment, where the impairment affects the applicant’s ability to learn English.
See Also INA 312
United States Government and History Knowledge
An applicant for naturalization must demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history and of the principles and form of government of the United States. Applicants exempt from this requirement are those who, on the date of filing, have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment, where the impairment affects the applicant’s ability to learn U.S. History and Government
Applicants who have been residing in the U.S. subsequent to a lawful admission for permanent residence for at least 20 years and are over the age of 65 will be afforded special condsideration in satisfying this requirement.
See Also INA 312
- Naturalization Test Questions for Applicants Meeting 65/20 Exception
- Test Yourself on U.S. History
- Sample U.S. History Questions with Answers
Oath of Allegiance
To become a citizen, one must take the oath of allegiance. By doing so, an applicant swears to:
- Support the Constitution and obey the laws of the U.S.;
- Renounce any foreign allegiance and/or foreign title; and
- Bear arms for the Armed Forces of the U.S. or perform services for the government of the U.S. when required.
In certain instances, where the applicant establishes that he or she is opposed to any type of service in armed forces based on religious teaching or belief, INS will permit these applicants to take a modified oath.
- Read the Oath of Allegiance
See Also INA 337
Naturalization Information for Military Personnel
If you are a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and are interested in becoming a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship under special provisions provided for in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Generally, service in the U.S. Armed Forces means service in one of the following branches:
- Army,
- Navy,
- Marine Corps,
- Air Force,
- Coast Guard,
- Certain Reserve components of the National Guard, and
- Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve
Recent changes in the relevant sections of the INA (Sections 328 and 329) make it easier for qualified military personnel to become U.S. citizens if they choose to file a naturalization application.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has created a streamlined process specifically for military personnel serving in active-duty status or have recently been discharged.
This brochure provides you with some basic information about the laws that govern citizenship for military personnel and the process you should follow to begin your journey to citizenship.
Do You Qualify?
There are general requirements and qualifications that must be met in order for you to become a U.S. citizen. These include:
- Demonstrating that you have good moral character
- Demonstrating knowledge of the English language
- Demonstrating knowledge of U.S. government and history (“civics”), and
- Demonstrating attachment to the United States by taking an oath of allegiance to the U.S. Constitution.
- As a member of the military there are other naturalization requirements that you may be excepted from, including the required residency and physical presence in the United States. These exceptions are outlined in Sections 328 and 329 of the INA.
Section 328, INA
This section applies to all members currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or those who have already been discharged from service.
- Have you served honorably for a total of one or more years?
- Are you a lawful permanent resident?
- Will you be filing your application for naturalization while still in service or within six months of being discharged?
Section 329, INA
This section applies to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who currently serve or have served in active-duty status during authorized periods of conflict as outlined in the INA (WWI; September 1, 1939-December 31, 1946; June 25, 1950-July1, 1955; and February 28, 1961-October 5, 1978) or any additional period designated by the President in an Executive Order.*
* Recently, the President signed an Executive Order identifying September 11, 2001 and after as an authorized period of conflict.
- Have you served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces during an authorized period of conflict?
- After enlistment, were you lawfully admitted as a permanent resident of the United States, OR at the time of enlistment, reenlistment, or induction were you physically present in the United States or qualifying territory?
Changes on October 1, 2004
Recent legislation has called for additional benefits to members of the military. These benefits will go into effect on October 1, 2004.
- No fees will be charged when you file for naturalization.
- The naturalization process will be made available overseas to members of the Armed Forces at U.S. embassies, consulates, and where practical, military installations abroad.
If You Qualify…
Every military installation should have a designated point-of-contact to handle your application and certify your Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service (N-426). You should inquire through your chain of command to find out who this person is, so they can help you with your application packet.
Your point-of-contact will send your N-400, G325B, and certified N-426 to:
The Nebraska Service Center
PO Box 87426
Lincoln, NE 68501-7426
The Service Center will review your application and perform the necessary security checks. Then, they will send it to the district office closest to your location. If you have a preference as to where you would like to be interviewed, you can provide that information in a cover letter attached to your naturalization packet. The district office will set a date to interview you and test your knowledge of English and Civics. If granted, USCIS will inform you of the date you can take your oath of allegiance.
Spouses of U.S. Citizens Deployed Abroad
If you are married to a U.S. citizen who is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and your citizen spouse is or will be deployed abroad by the Armed Forces for one year, you may be eligible for expedited naturalization under section 319(b) of the INA.
Posthumous Benefits
The INA allows for the awarding of posthumous citizenship to active-duty military personnel who die while serving in the Armed Forces. In addition, surviving family members seeking immigration benefits are given special consideration. To learn more, contact your military point-of-contact or the local district USCIS office.
Naturalization: Waivers, Exceptions, and Special Cases
This page, part of the Naturalization information, lists some of the Waivers, Exceptions and Special Cases to the normal waiting period of five (5) years before attaining minimum eligibility to apply for Naturalization.
Family Members of U.S. Citizens
Spouses of U.S. Citizens
Generally, certain lawful permanent residents married to a U.S. citizen may file for naturalization after residing continuously in the United States for three years if immediately preceding the filing of the application:
- The applicant has been married to and living in a valid marital union with the same U.S. citizen spouse for all three years;
- The U.S. spouse has been a citizen for all three years and meets all physical presence and residence requirements; and
- The applicant meets all other naturalization requirements.
There are also exceptions for lawful permanent residents married to U.S. citizens stationed or employed abroad. Some lawful permanent residents may not have to comply with the residence or physical presence requirements when the U.S. citizen spouse is employed by one of the following:
- The U.S. Government (including the U.S. Armed Forces);
- American research institutes recognized by the Attorney General;
- Recognized U.S. religious organizations;
- U.S. research institutions;
- An American firm engaged in the development of foreign trade and commerce of the United States; or
- Certain public international organizations involving the United States.
See also INA 319, INA 316
Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 2000
Children
There are several ways foreign-born children of U.S. citizens may obtain evidence of citizenship:
Generally, U.S. citizen parents of children born abroad may file a N-600 Application for Certificate of Citizenship. This form should be completed in accordance with the instructions provided and should be accompanied by 2 photographs of the child, copies of any documents that verify eligibility, and the required filing fee to be considered complete and ready to process.
Important note: Children born abroad of U.S. citizen parents derive citizenship from their parents. The Certificate of Citizenship is merely a record of citizenship - it does not confer citizenship on an applicant.
Adopted children of citizen parents acquire citizenship. For adopted children, adoptive parents file an N-643 instead of an N-600. However, adopted children over 18 must file an N-400.
For answers to more specific questions regarding naturalization of children, please contact your local INS office.
See also INA 320, INA 321, INA 322
Veterans of U.S. Armed Forces
Certain applicants who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to file for naturalization based on current or prior U.S. military service. Such applicants should file the N-400 Military Naturalization Packet.
Lawful Permanent Residents with Three Years U.S. Military Service
An applicant who has served for three years in the U.S. military and who is a lawful permanent resident is excused from any specific period of required residence, period of residence in any specific place, or physical presence within the United States if an application for naturalization is filed while the applicant is still serving or within six months of an honorable discharge.
To be eligible for these exemptions, an applicant must:
- Have served honorably or separated under honorable conditions;
- Completed three years or more of military service;
- Be a legal permanent resident at the time of his or her examination on the application; or
- Establish good moral character if service was discontinuous or not honorable.
Applicants who file for naturalization more than six months after termination of three years of service in the U.S. military may count any periods of honorable service as residence and physical presence in the United States.
Naturalization Applicants Who Have Served Honorably in Any Specified Period of Armed Conflict with Hostile Foreign Forces
This is the only section of the Immigration and Naturalization Act that allows persons who have not been lawfully admitted for permanent residence to file their own application for naturalization. Any person who has served honorably during a qualifying time may file an application at any time in his or her life if, at the time of enlistment, reenlistment, extension of enlistment or induction, such person shall have been in the United States, the Canal Zone, American Samoa, or Swains Island, or on board a public vessel owned or operated by the United States for noncommercial service, whether or not he has been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence.
An applicant who has served honorably during any of the following periods of conflict is entitled to certain considerations:
- World War I - 4/16/17 to 11/11/18;
- World War II - 9/1/39 to 12/31/46;
- Korean Conflict - 6/25/50 to 7/1/55;
- Vietnam Conflict - 2/28/61 to 10/15/78;
- Operation Desert Shield/ Desert Storm - 8/29/90 to 4/11/91
- Operation Enduring Freedom – 9/11/01 to (open); or
- Any other period which the President, by Executive Order, has designated as a period in which the Armed Forces of the United States are or were engaged in military operations involving armed conflict with hostile foreign forces.
Applicants who have served honorably during any of the aforementioned conflicts may apply for naturalization based on military service and no period of residence or specified period of physical presence within the United States or any State shall be required.
See also INA 328, INA 329
Grounds for Eligibility
The Immigration and Naturalization Service has other specific grounds for Naturalization. For additional information, please review the instructions on an N-400 Application for Naturalization and/or contact your local District Office.
Oath of Allegiance for Naturalized Citizens
The oath of allegiance is:
"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."
In some cases, USCIS allows the oath to be taken without the clauses:
". . .that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by law. . ."
Sample Sentences for Written English Testing
To be eligible for naturalization, you must be able to read, write, and speak basic English. The sentences on this page are
examples of the types of sentences an USCIS officer may ask you to read aloud or write during your interview. They are not an exhaustive list.
The USCIS officer who interviews you may ask you to read or write other sentences.
CIVICS/HISTORY
A Senator is elected for 6 years.
________ is the Vice President of the United States.
All people want to be free.
America is the land of freedom.
All United States citizens have the right to vote.
America is the home of the brave.
America is the land of the free.
_________ is the President of the United States.
Citizens have the right to vote.
Congress is part of the American government.
Congress meets in Washington, D.C.
Congress passes laws in the United States.
George Washington was the first president.
I want to be a citizen of the United States.
I want to be an American citizen.
I want to become an American so I can vote.
It is important for all citizens to vote.
Many people come to America for freedom.
Many people have died for freedom.
Martha Washington was the first first lady.
Only Congress can declare war.
Our Government is divided into three branches.
People in America have the right to freedom.
People vote for the President in November.
The American flag has stars and stripes.
The American flag has 13 stripes.
The capital of the United States is Washington, D.C.
The colors of the flag are red, white, and blue.
The Constitution is the supreme law of our land.
The flag of the United States has 50 stars.
The House and Senate are parts of Congress.
The people have a voice in Government.
The people in the class took a citizenship test.
The President enforces the laws.
The President has the power of veto.
The President is elected every 4 years.
The President lives in the White House.
The President lives in Washington, D.C.
The President must be an American citizen.
The President must be born in the United States.
The President signs bills into law.
The stars of the American flag are white.
The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France.
The stripes of the American flag are red and white.
The White House is in Washington, D.C.
The United States flag is red, white, and blue.
The United States of America has 50 states.
There are 50 states in the Union. |
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EVERYDAY LIFE
There are three branches of Government.
He came to live with his brother.
He has a very big dog.
He knows how to ride a bike.
He wanted to find a job.
He wanted to talk to his boss.
He went to the post office.
His wife is at work right now.
His wife worked in the house.
I am too busy to talk today.
I bought a blue car today.
I came to _______ (city) today for my interview.
I count the cars as they pass by the office.
I drive a blue car to work.
I go to work everyday.
I have three children.
I know how to speak English.
I live in the State of ____________.
I want to be a United States citizen.
It is a good job to start with.
My car does not work.
She can speak English very well.
She cooks for her friends.
She is my daughter, and he is my son.
She needs to buy some new clothes.
She wanted to live near her brother.
She was happy with her house.
The boy threw a ball.
The children bought a newspaper.
The children play at school.
The children wanted a television.
The man wanted to get a job.
The teacher was proud of her class.
The white house has a big tree.
They are a very happy family.
They are very happy with their car.
They buy many things at the store.
They came to live in the United States.
They go to the grocery store.
They have horses on their farm.
They live together in a big house.
They work well together.
Today I am going to the store.
Today is a sunny day.
Warm clothing was on sale in the store.
We are very smart to learn this.
We have a very clean house.
You cook very well.
You drink too much coffee.
You work very hard at your job. |
Naturalization Test Redesign Project
USCIS Seeks Volunteers to Participate in the Pilot Exam
USCIS is piloting a redesigned naturalization test in 10 areas across the country. The pilot test promotes civic learning and patriotism. The 10 pilot exam sites are: Albany, NY; Boston, MA; Charleston, SC; Denver, CO; El Paso, TX; Kansas City, MO; Miami, FL; San Antonio, TX; Tucson, AZ; and Yakima, WA.
Applicants for United States citizenship in those 10 areas who are scheduled to take the naturalization test will receive letters from USCIS asking them to volunteer to take the pilot. Feedback from the volunteers will shape the final version of the new naturalization test that will be given to all applicants for U.S. citizenship beginning in 2008.
Only those individuals who volunteer will take the pilot test. Applicants who decide not to participate will take the current English and civics exam.
However, to ensure USCIS is getting a representative sample of candidates with a variety of education levels, the test is also being piloted at adult education sites nationwide.
USCIS is providing volunteers with study materials, including the actual 142 questions and answers for the U.S. history and civics portion of the pilot exam, as well as a vocabulary list to practice for the reading and writing portions of the pilot.
Sample U.S. History Questions with Answers:
Sample U.S. History Questions with Answers (169KB PDF)
Citizenship of Children
The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees citizenship at birth to almost all individuals born in the United States or in U.S. jurisdictions, according to the principle of
jus soli. Certain individuals born in the United States, such as children of foreign heads of state or children of foreign diplomats, do not obtain U.S. citizenship under
jus soli.
Certain individuals born outside of the United States are born citizens because of their parents, according to the principle of jus sanguinis (which holds that the country of citizenship of a child is the same as that of his / her parents). The U.S. Congress is responsible for enacting laws that determine how citizenship is conveyed by a U.S. citizen parent or parents according to the principle of jus sanguinis. These laws are contained in the Immigration and Nationality Act.
In addition, Each year, many people adopt children from outside the U.S. The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 (CCA) grants those children the ability to automatically become U.S. citizens when they immigrate to the United States.
Child Citizenship Act
The USCIS has reengineered its processing in order to streamline the production of Certificates of Citizenship for certain children adopted abroad. Streamlined processes have been developed for newly entering IR-3 children who are automatically U.S. Citizens when they arrive. These newly entering IR-3 children will receive Certificates of Citizenship within 45 days of their arrival instead of receiving a Permanent Resident Card and then filing the
N-600 for a Certificate. (Please see our Fact Sheet for additional information)
Background
The Child Citizenship Act, which became effective on February 27, 2001,amended the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to provide U.S. citizenship to certain foreign-born children-including adopted children-of U.S. citizens. Specifically, these children include:
- Orphans with a full and final adoption abroad or adoption finalized in the U.S.,
- Biological or legitimated children,
- Certain children born out of wedlock to a mother who naturalizes, and
- Adopted children meeting the two-year custody requirement.
This legislation represents a significant and important change in the nationality laws of the United States. The changes made by the CCA authorize the automatic acquisition of citizenship and permanently protect the adopted children of U.S. citizens from deportation.
In general, children who are younger than 18 years of age and have at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen whether by birth or naturalization will benefit from this new law. Under the CCA, qualifying children who immigrate to the United States with a U.S. citizen parent automatically acquire U.S. citizenship upon entry; children who live abroad acquire citizenship on approval of an application and the taking of the oath of allegiance.
Frequently Asked Questions about the CCA
1) Does my child qualify for automatic citizenship under the CCA?
Under CCA, your child will automatically acquire U.S. citizenship on the date that all of the following requirements are satisfied:
- At least one adoptive parent is a U.S. citizen,
- The child is under 18 years of age,
- If the child is adopted, a full and final adoption of the child, and
- The child is admitted to the United States as an immigrant
2) Do I have to apply to USCIS for my child's citizenship?
No. If your child satisfies the requirements listed above, he or she automatically acquires U.S. citizenship by operation of law on the day he or she is admitted to the United States as an immigrant. Your child’s citizenship status is no longer dependent on USCIS approving a naturalization application.
3) What documentation can I get of my child's citizenship?
If your child permanently resides in the U.S, you can obtain evidence of your child’s citizenship by applying for a Certificate of Citizenship. You will need to file form N-600 (Application for Certificate of Citizenship) and submit it to the local USCIS District Office or Sub-Office that holds jurisdiction over your permanent residence. You can also apply for a U.S. passport from the Department of State.
If your child permanently resides abroad, your child does not qualify for automatic citizenship under the CCA. However, you can apply for citizenship for your child by filing form N-600K (Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322). You can submit this form to any USCIS District Office or Sub-Office in the United States.
4) Will USCIS automatically provide me with documentation of my child's citizenship?
At the present time, USCIS is not able to automatically provide most parents with documentation of their foreign-born child’s citizenship. However, USCIS has implemented a streamlined process for newly entering IR-3 children and their families that will ensure they receive a Certificate of Citizenship within 45 days of entering the United States. Additionally, USCIS has implemented procedures to expedite processing of pending N-643 cases. If you previously filed an N-643 application and have not received your child’s Certificate of Citizenship please contact the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. Please have the following information when you call: your child’s A-number and the location and date you filed the application.
5) What forms do I file and what are the fees?
If your child permanently resides in the U.S., you can apply for evidence of citizenship by filing form N-600 (Application for Certificate of Citizenship). If you are filing on behalf of an adopted minor child, the fee is $215 (all other applicants must pay $255).
If your child permanently resides abroad, you can apply for citizenship by filing form N-600K (Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322). If you are filing on behalf of an adopted minor child, the fee is $215 (all other applicants must pay $255).
6) Where should I file the forms?
If your child permanently resides in the U.S., you can file form N-600 (Application for Certificate of Citizenship) at the USCIS District Office or Sub-Office that that holds jurisdiction over your permanent residence.
If your child permanently resides abroad, you can apply for citizenship by filing form N-600K (Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322) at any USCIS District Office or Sub-Office in the United States. You and your child will need to travel to the United States to complete the application process
7) Is automatic citizenship provided for those who are 18 years of age or older?
No. Individuals who are 18 years of age or older on February 27, 2001, do not qualify for citizenship under the CCA, even if they meet all other criteria. If they wish to become U.S. citizens, they must apply for naturalization and meet eligibility requirements that currently exist for adult lawful permanent residents
Information for Parents of Foreign-Born Biological Children Residing in the U.S., January 2004
The Child Citizenship Act (CCA) declares that children who are younger than 18 years of age and have at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen whether by birth or naturalization will acquire automatic citizenship. Under the CCA, qualifying children who immigrate to the United States with a U.S. citizen parent automatically acquire U.S. citizenship upon entry; children who live abroad acquire citizenship on approval of an application and the taking of the oath of allegiance.
