The Child Citizenship Act of 2000

For children born outside the U.S. to acquire citizenship under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, they must meet all the conditions in WAC 182-503-0530 on or after February 27, 2001. The Act applies to children related to the citizen parent by birth or adoption only - stepchildren are not included unless also adopted. Citizenship for these children can depend on:

Which parent is a U.S. citizen;

How long the citizen parent resided in the U.S.; and

Whether the parents were married at the time.

Once a child becomes a citizen under the Act, subsequent changes in the parents' marital status, such as separation or divorce, have no bearing on the child's citizenship. Nor does it matter whether the parent in question became a U.S. citizen after entering the U.S.

If a child is 18 years or older when the parent becomes a citizen, child citizenship laws do not apply, and he/she must independently apply for naturalization.

For individuals who automatically become citizens under terms of the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 or previous legislation, USCIS issues no documentation unless requested. Individuals themselves may not be aware that they or their children are already citizens.

If unable to verify, refer individual to an immigration attorney at:

Northwest Justice Project at 206-464-1519 or 1-888-201-1012

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project - Seattle - 206-587-4009 or 1-800-445-5771

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project - Tacoma - 253-383-0519 or 1-877-814-6444

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project - Granger - 509-854-2100 or 1-888-756-3641; or

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project - Wenatchee - 509-570-0054 or 1-866-271-2084