U.S. Citizenship – English Version
United States law permits multiple citizenship but be careful to check the laws of your country whether it also allows multiple citizenships.
U.S. Citizenship by Birth
U.S. citizenship is automatically granted to individuals born in the United States or its outlying possessions, such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, under the principle of jus soli (right of the soil). This applies regardless of the parents’ nationality or immigration status.
Children born abroad to at least one U.S. citizen parent can acquire U.S. citizenship at birth, provided the parent meets specific residency or physical presence requirements in the U.S. before the child’s birth. This ensures that children of U.S. citizens, whether born domestically or abroad, are granted the full rights and protections under U.S. law from birth. It is strongly recommended that the U.S. parent obtains a CRBA (Consular Report of Birth Abroad) from the U.S. consulate or embassy before the child reaches age 18. We can assist you with this.
U.S. Citizenship by Naturalization
Naturalization is a multi-step process. Initially, we determine your eligibility, which requires, among other things, being a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR or Green Card holder) for at least 5 years, or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen. Special eligibility criteria apply to certain groups, such as members of the U.S. military, spouses of U.S. citizens working abroad, and children of U.S. citizens born abroad. You must also have good moral character and meet continuous residence and physical presence requirements. The process requires submitting an application form, attending a biometrics appointment and a citizenship interview with an immigration officer. If approved, you will be invited to a naturalization ceremony, where you will receive a certificate of naturalization.
Certificate of Citizenship
The most common proof of U.S. citizenship is a birth certificate indicating that an individual was born in the United States or its outlying possessions. However, a Certificate of Citizenship is required for individuals born outside the United States to a U.S. citizen parent or parents, who did not obtain a CRBA (Consular Report of Birth Abroad) and need evidence of their U.S. citizenship. This certificate proves to the U.S. government that you are a U.S. citizen, even though you were not born in the United States.
This also applies to a child born abroad to foreign parents, where one or both of the child’s parents was naturalized as a U.S. citizen while the child was still a minor. Under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, a child born abroad to foreign parents may automatically acquire U.S. citizenship if they are under the age of 18, reside as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), and live in the legal and physical custody of a parent who naturalizes as a U.S. citizen. In such cases, a Certificate of Citizenship is required as proof of status and is often necessary for applying for a U.S. passport or other official documentation.
Renouncing U.S. Citizenship
Renouncing U.S. citizenship is a serious and irrevocable act. It involves multiple steps and can be very expensive.
If you renounce your U.S. citizenship and do not already possess a foreign nationality, you may be rendered stateless.
Renouncing your U.S. citizenship may or may not have an effect on your U.S. tax or military service obligations as well as any still ongoing criminal proceedings.
Benefits of the U.S. Citizenship
- Becoming a U.S. citizen provides numerous benefits. One of the most significant advantages is the right to vote in federal, state, and local elections, which allows you to participate fully in the democratic process.
- U.S. citizens can also apply for a U.S. passport, which facilitates international travel and provides access to U.S. consular services abroad.
- In terms of employment, certain jobs that require U.S. citizenship become available to you. Also, only a U.S. citizen has the right to hold public or elective office.
- U.S. citizens can apply for government welfare benefits and financial assistance, as well as aid for food, housing, and health insurance.
- As a U.S. citizen, you can sponsor relatives for immigration into the U.S. more easily, thereby facilitating family reunification.
- As a U.S. citizen, you gain several protections and rights that are not available to non-citizens. One of the most important protections is immunity from deportation. Unlike green card holders, U.S. citizens cannot be deported from the country, even if they commit certain crimes such as a DUI (Driving Under the Influence). Conversely, U.S. citizens cannot be denied entry into the United States.
- U.S. citizens traveling or residing abroad have access to assistance from U.S. consulates and embassies. This could prove vital in case of a crime, arrest, death or emergency in a foreign country.
- Traveling in some foreign countries is easier for U.S. citizens due to bilateral agreements.
- U.S citizens can leave the United States and live in another country for as long as they want. Green Card holders however, are found to have abandoned their U.S residence and lose lawful resident status if they spend too much time abroad.
- Green Card holders (LPR – Lawful Permanent Residence) have to renew their green cards every ten years and pay a filing fee of several hundred dollars (Form I-90). U.S Citizens never have to renew their citizenship status.
Some Disadvantages
- Applying for naturalization could have the end result of an applicant having his/her green card revoked or even be deported from the United States, if negative information on their application or USCIS background check comes to surface.
- Several countries don’t allow ownership of property by foreign owners, including U.S. citizens. This can result in the loss of property upon naturalization in the United States.
- A person obtaining U.S. citizenship after birth may lose citizenship in their home country, as some countries do not allow for dual or multiple citizenships.