“Even though your child was born outside the U.S.,
— Brian D. Lerner
It might be possible for your child to automatically apply for a U.S. Passport.”
General Requirements under the CCA or Child Citizenship Act
CCA
- The child has at least one United States citizen parent (by birth or naturalization);
Note that the parent could have been born outside the U.S.
- The child is under 18 years of age;
This will not work if the child is not a child.
- The child is currently residing permanently in the United States in the legal and physical custody of the United States citizen parent;
If the child is attempting this through a parent they had no contact, it will not work.
- The child is a lawful permanent resident;
Child must have a Green Card
- An adopted child meets the requirements applicable to adopted children under immigration law
This entire law will apply to adopted children
- Acquiring citizenship automatically means citizenship acquired by law without the need to apply for citizenship. Firstly, a child who is currently under the age of 18 and has already met all of the above requirements will acquire citizenship automatically on February 27, 2001.
Otherwise, a child will acquire citizenship automatically on the date the child meets all of the above requirementsThis means the moment it occurs, the child can get a U.S. Passport or Certificate of Citizenship
Beginning February 27, 2001, certain foreign-born children—including adopted children—currently residing permanently in the United States will acquire citizenship automatically. To be eligible, a child must meet the definition of “child” for naturalization purposes under immigration law
On October 30, 2000, President Clinton signed into law H.R. 2883, the Child Citizenship Act of 2000. More ever, the new law permits foreign-born children—including adopted children —to acquire citizenship automatically if they meet certain requirements. It becomes effective on February 27, 2001. This is citizenship immigration, not naturalization.
Retroactivity of the Child Citizenship Act
Is the Law Retroactive? Is automatic citizenship provided for those who are 18 Years of Age or Older? No. The new law is not retroactive. Will eligible children automatically receive proof of citizenship—such as citizenship certificates and passports? No. Proof of citizenship will not be automatically issued to eligible children.