Since the enactment of the Immigration & Nationality Act (INA), Congress has passed numerous laws conferring citizenship on particular groups of individuals. With each designation, Congress determined there were specified conditions that must be met in order for individuals to qualify. These conditions generally relate to the individual’s date of birth and the birth, citizenship, and length of residency in the United States of the individual’s parents.

Due to the numerous changes to these laws over the years, determining whether a particular individual meets the requirements for automatic or derivative citizenship is often a complex legal issue that should be discussed with an attorney.

If you believe that you may qualify based on the following or other factors, you should consult one of our immigration lawyers to determine whether you are a U.S. citizen and what will be involved in proving your claim.

1. Birth in the United States. Nearly all children born in the United States are U.S. citizens.
2. Birth abroad to U.S. citizen parents. Many children born to United States citizens abroad are U.S. citizens.
3. Naturalization of parents. Many children whose parents have become naturalized U.S. citizens are also United States citizens.
4. Dependent of Individuals Serving in the Armed Forces. Some dependents of individuals who have served in the U.S. armed forces may be U.S. citizens.

With the passage of the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, the Congress established streamlined criteria for children born outside the United States to a U.S. citizen, or those who are adopted by U.S. citizens, to acquire U.S. citizenship following a lawful entry for permanent residence. This law benefits many children whose parents become naturalized U.S. citizens.

If you are the child of a U.S. citizen you may wish to explore your citizenship options with one of our immigration attorneys, even if you are not eligible for automatic or derivative citizenship.