Who Has Citizenship By Birth?

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Persons who are born in the United States are citizens at birth unless they are born to foreign diplomats.

A person who is born abroad to TWO US citizens is a US citizen if both parents were US citizens at his or her birth and at least one parent lived in the US at some point in his or her life.

For those born abroad to only ONE US citizen, if you are born outside the United States after November 14, 1986 and only one of your parents was a citizen at the time of your birth you may qualify for citizenship if: (1) Your citizen parent lived at least 5 years in the US before you were born, and (2) 2 out of 5 of these years were after his or her 14th birthday.

If you were born outside the United State before November 14, 1986 and only one of your parents was a citizen at the time of your birth you will qualify for citizenship if: (1) Your citizen parent lived in the US for at least 10 years before you were born, and 2) 5 out of 10 of these years were after his or her 14th birthday.

Other Immigration FAQs

Q: What is a motion to reopen?
A: If a person within the United States has been denied citizenship, a visa, or other lawful means of staying in the country, they may be ordered to leave the U.S. At the … More
Q: How Do Most People Become U.S. Citizens?
A: One way in which citizenship may be achieved is by birth in the U.S., or birth to parents who are U.S. citizens. If neither of these situations applies, one may … More
Q: Can I use a motion to reopen to stay in the United States?
A: After a removal order becomes final, one of the only methods a person can use to argue their case is to file a motion to reopen. This allows the individual the right … More
Q: How Do I Become A Naturalized Citizen?
A: If you are not a US citizen by birth or did not acquire citizenship automatically after birth, you may still be eligible to become a citizen through the normal … More
Q: Who can file a motion to reopen?
A: Individuals who wish to remain in the United States legally but have been ordered removed may file a motion to reopen. This allows the person the ability to present … More
Q: What Are Some Of The Benefits Of Becoming A U.S. Citizen?
A: The advantages of becoming a citizen of the United States are many. The following is a list of some of the benefits that clients seek: The right to vote; The … More
Q: How long do I have to file a motion to reopen?
A: Noncitizens of the U.S. have 90 days to file a motion to reopen after their removal order has been finalized if they wish to present new evidence in their case. More
Q: What Are Some Of The Responsibilities Of A U.S. Citizen?
A: Some of the responsibilities of a U.S. citizen include: Participate in jury duty or armed forces if called upon; Pay taxes; Respect the rights of others; Obey the law. More
Q: Can I file a motion to reopen if I’m outside the United States?
A: Yes, individuals who are residing outside the United States may file a motion to reopen within 90 days after the removal order becomes final.
Q: What Are The Prerequisites To Obtaining U.S. Citizenship?
A: Certain guidelines determine whether or not one is eligible to obtain U.S. citizenship. They include: Age: applicant must be at least 18 years old; … More