US Citizenship Acquisition: A Comprehensive Guide
There are several ways to acquire US citizenship but the most common ways are through birth, naturalization, and acquisition. Acquisition, also known as derivative citizenship, is the process by which an individual automatically becomes a US citizen based on their relationship with a US citizen or through acquisition of citizenship by their parents.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the eligibility requirements for acquisition of US citizenship, the different ways to acquire, and the benefits that come with it.
Eligibility Requirements for Acquisition of US Citizenship
To be eligible for acquisition of US citizenship, one must meet the following requirements:
– Have at least one parent who is a US citizen by birth or naturalization.
– Be under the age of 18 at the time of applying for citizenship.
– Be a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the US and residing in the country.
– Be physically present in the US for at least five years while in LPR status, with at least two years of those five years being after the age of 14.
– Have good moral character and have not committed any crimes.
Different Ways to Acquire US Citizenship
There are three ways to acquire US citizenship under acquisition:
1. Birth outside the US to US citizen parents
If a child is born outside the US to parents who are both US citizens, the child is automatically a US citizen. It is important to note that if only one parent is a US citizen, the child may still be eligible for US citizenship but the parent must have resided in the US for a certain amount of time.
2. Adoption of a foreign-born child by US citizen parents
If a US citizen adopts a foreign-born child who is under the age of 18, the child automatically becomes a US citizen upon entry into the US as long as the adoption is full and final. The child must also be in the legal and physical custody of the US citizen parent(s) for at least two years before the adoption.
3. Acquisition of US citizenship by birth to a US citizen parent
If a child is born outside the US to a US citizen parent and the child meets the eligibility requirements, the child is automatically a US citizen. If the child is born in the US to a foreign parent who later becomes a US citizen, the child may also acquire citizenship if they meet certain requirements.
Benefits of US Citizenship
Acquiring US citizenship comes with several benefits such as:
– The right to vote in US elections.
– The ability to apply for certain government jobs that require US citizenship.
– The ability to travel with a US passport and receive consular protection abroad.
– The ability to sponsor family members for immigration to the US.
– Protection from deportation.
– The ability to receive certain government benefits such as Social Security and Medicare.
FAQs
1. Can I acquire US citizenship through my grandparents?
No, you can only acquire US citizenship through your parents.
2. Can I lose my US citizenship after acquiring it through acquisition?
Yes, you can lose your US citizenship if you voluntarily give it up, renounce it, or if it is revoked due to fraud or misrepresentation.
3. How long does it take to acquire US citizenship through acquisition?
The process can vary but it usually takes between six months to a year to acquire US citizenship through acquisition.
4. Do I need to take the US citizenship test to acquire citizenship through acquisition?
No, you do not need to take the test if you are acquiring citizenship through acquisition.
5. Can I pass on my US citizenship to my children?
Yes, if you acquired US citizenship through birth or naturalization.