U.S. Citizenship Acquired by Birth
If a person is born on U.S. soil, then that person is a U.S. citizen by birth. All persons born in the United States receive a birth certificate which serves as evidence of their U.S. Citizenship Status.
If a person is born abroad to one or more U.S. citizen parents, then, a person is a citizen based on these circumstances and may obtain a Certificate of Citizenship to prove U.S. Citizenship.
1. If both parents were U.S. citizens when the person was born and at least one of the parents lived in the United States at some point in their life. The record of birth abroad, as registered with the U.S. consulate or embassy will serve as proof of such citizenship and is sufficient evidence to establish citizenship.
2. If one parent was a U.S. citizen when the person was born and the citizen parent lived in the United States for at least five years before that person was born and two years of which were after the citizen parent attained the age of fourteen (14). The record of birth abroad, as registered with the U.S. consulate or embassy will serve as proof of such citizenship. This person may also apply for a passport to have this citizenship recognized.
Related Forms
Form N-400, Application for Naturalization