Citizenship

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A citizen of the United States is a native-born, foreign-born, or naturalized person who owes allegiance to the United States and who is entitled to its protection. In addition to the naturalization process, the United States recognizes the U.S. citizenship ofindividuals according to two fundamental principles: jus soli, or right of birthplace, and jus sanguinis, or right of blood.

 

As a citizen, you are entitled to unique rights and privileges which include the right to vote, having a U.S. passport , the U.S. government's protection while abroad and the right to petition for green cards for your children and close relatives. As a U.S. citizen, you cannot be deported or lose your citizenship even if you commit a crime or choose to live elsewhere in the world, unless you misrepresented yourself to atain citizenship or were ineligible at the time.

 

How can I become a United States Citizen?

 

A person may become a U.S. citizen (1) by birth or (2) through naturalization.

 

Who is born a United States Citizen?

 

Generally, people are born U.S. citizens if they are born in the United States or if they are born to U.S. citizens:

 

(1) By being born in the United States

If you were born in the United States (including, in most cases, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), you are anAmerican citizen at birth (unless you were born to a foreign diplomat). Your birth certificate is proof of your citizenship.

 

(2) Through birth abroad to TWO United States citizens

In most cases, you are a U.S. citizen if ALL of the following are true:

- Both your parents were U.S. citizens when you were born; and

- At least one of your parents lived in the United States at some point in their life.

Your record of birth abroad, if registered with a U.S. consulate or embassy, is proof of your citizenship. You may also apply for a passport to have your citizenship recognized. If you need additional proof of your citizenship, our law office can file an Application for Certificate of Citizenship with USCIS to get a Certificate of Citizenship.

 

(3) Through birth abroad to ONE United States citizen

In most cases, you are a U.S. citizen if ALL of the following are true:

- One of your parents was a U.S. citizen when you were born;

 

- Your citizen parent lived at least 5 years in the United States before you were born; and

 

- At least 2 of these 5 years in the United States were after your citizen parent's 14th birthday*.

 

Your record of birth abroad, if registered with a U.S. consulate or embassy, is proof of your citizenship. You may also apply for apassport to have your citizenship recognized. If you need additional proof of your citizenship, our law office can file an Application for Certificate of Citizenship with USCIS to get a Certificate of Citizenship.