Could You Be a U.S. Citizen Without Knowing It? The Importance of Investigating Your U.S. Citizenship if You Were Born Abroad to U.S. Citizen Parents

Discovering Your Hidden U.S. Citizenship: A Path from Uncertainty to Opportunity

Imagine living in the U.S. for years as an undocumented immigrant or on a temporary visa, fearing the uncertainties of immigration status, only to discover that you are a U.S. citizen. This could be a reality for many individuals born abroad to U.S. citizen parents. U.S. citizenship may have been acquired automatically at birth, yet they remain unaware of their legal status.  

How Is Citizenship Acquired Automatically at Birth? 

Under U.S. law, children born abroad to U.S. citizen parents often acquire U.S. citizenship automatically. This applies if at least one parent was a U.S. citizen at the time of the child’s birth. Additionally, that parent must have met certain physical presence requirements in the U.S. before the birth.

Many people born in countries outside the U.S. do not realize that they acquired citizenship at birth. Without obtaining a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) or applying for a U.S. passport as a child, they might have grown up without any documentation of their citizenship. 

The Impact of Discovering Your Citizenship Status: 

Why You Should Investigate Your U.S. Citizenship:  

1. You May Be a U.S. Citizen Without Realizing It: 

If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent and never applied for a CRBA or a passport, you may have been a U.S. citizen your entire life without knowing it. Investigating this possibility could reveal your rightful status and open doors to a future with stability and security. 

 2. You’re Living in the U.S. Without Legal Status: 

Many individuals born abroad to U.S. citizen parents and unaware of their citizenship status may already be U.S. citizens. For those undocumented or on temporary visas, investigating their citizenship eligibility could instantly resolve immigration concerns and grant them full rights as citizens.

 3. Avoid the Stress of Immigration Processes: 

For someone who’s been in the U.S. on a temporary visa, the process of renewing status or maintaining legal presence can be a burden. If you discover that you’re already a U.S. citizen, you can avoid these complexities altogether.  

4. Access to Full Rights and Benefits: 

As a U.S. citizen, you gain immediate access to all the benefits of citizenship. This includes the right to work without restriction, the ability to vote in U.S. elections, and eligibility for government programs. You’ll also be able to apply for a U.S. passport, which allows for travel without the visa limitations that noncitizens face. 

How to Investigate Your Citizenship Status: 

1. Start with Family Information: 

Investigate your parent’s citizenship status. Was one of your parents a U.S. citizen when you were born? If so, determine if they met the required physical presence in the U.S. before your birth. This will help establish whether you may have acquired citizenship at birth. 

 2. Gather Necessary Documentation: 

Key documents that may help determine your citizenship status include: 

• Your foreign birth certificate.
• Proof of your parent’s U.S. citizenship (e.g., U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization).
• Evidence that your U.S. citizen parent met the physical presence requirements in the U.S. before your birth (e.g., school records, tax returns, employment history). 

3. Consult an Immigration Attorney: 

Navigating the complexities of citizenship laws can be challenging, especially if you’re unsure about your eligibility. Consulting with an immigration attorney can help you investigate your citizenship status thoroughly and guide you through the process of applying for a U.S. passport or Certificate of Citizenship if you’re eligible. 

Illustration:

Jorge has been living in the U.S. on a student visa for years. Born in Colombia to a U.S. citizen mother, he never applied for a CRBA as a child and assumed he was only a Colombian citizen. However, after learning more about U.S. citizenship laws and investigating his mother’s history, Jorge discovered he had actually acquired U.S. citizenship at birth. He worked with an attorney to file for a U.S. passport and was able to move forward as a U.S. citizen, free from the limitations of his temporary visa. 

A New Beginning Awaits: Secure Your Future Today

For individuals born abroad to U.S. citizen parents, you might already be a U.S. citizen. Investigating this possibility is worthwhile. Discovering your citizenship status can transform your life. It offers security, stability, and full access to a U.S. citizen’s rights and privileges. This discovery could change everything if you’ve been living without legal status or on a temporary visa. 

Don’t leave your future to chance. Contact Law Offices of Osas Iyamu, LLC today for a consultation with Immigration Attorney Osas Iyamu for assistance in investigating your citizenship status and exploring your options for applying for a U.S. passport or Certificate of Citizenship.