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Women who could have been lawfully naturalized and, prior to September 22, 1922, were married to citizens, or were married to aliens who became citizens before that date, automatically become citizens. An alien married to a U.S. citizen on and after September 22, 1922, must apply for naturalization to become a U.S. citizen. 2402.10.15 CHILDREN BORN ABROAD TO U.S. CITIZENS

In most instances, citizenship is acquired at birth if at least one of the natural parents is a U.S. citizen. It should not be presumed, however, that the child was a citizen at birth unless at least one citizen parent was a previous U.S. resident or lived in a U.S. territory. (Refer to Section 2402.10.05)

For children born before May 24, 1934, U.S. citizenship may only be established in this way for legitimate children through their citizen father who would have had to meet the above- mentioned residency requirement. For children born after May 24, 1934, both parent’s U.S. citizenship and residency may serve as the basis for the foreign-born child's own U.S. citizenship.

2402.10.20 CITIZENSHIP AFTER BIRTH

Children become U.S. citizens after birth when all the following requirements are met: • At least one parent is a U.S. citizen either by birth or naturalization. • The child is under 18 years of age. • The child is residing in the United States in the legal and physical custody of the United States citizen parent, pursuant to a lawful admission for permanent resident. (If adopted, the child must meet all the requirements above, as well as satisfy the requirements applicable to adopted children under Section 101(b) (1) of the Social Security Act. (f1) 2402.15.00 VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS

Verification of citizenship is required for TANF Cash Assistance.

For the SNAP program, a declaration of U.S. citizenship (whether by birth or naturalization) is accepted, unless the information is questionable. Questionable information should always be verified. 2402.15.05 VERIFICATION SOURCES FOR U.S. CITIZENS

Acceptable sources of verification for U.S. citizens include, but are not limited to, the following: • Physician's record of birth • Birth or hospital certificates showing U.S. birth • Form FS-545 (Certification of Birth) • Form I-197 (U.S. Citizen I.D. card) • Religious documents, such as a baptismal record, showing birth in the U.S.