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Automatic Acquisition of Citizenship
A great deal of individuals in the U.S. who believe they are Permanent Residents are actually U.S. citizens. In fact, every year a number of these individuals are deported because they were unaware of their U.S. citizen status. By operation of law, certain individuals who were previously admitted as lawful permanent residents may become US citizens automatically if one or both of their parents naturalize.
The law has changed several times over the years. The current law is governed by the Child Citizenship Act of 2000. Under this Act, certain Permanent Residents automatically become citizens if they resided in the physical custody of at least one parent who was a U.S. citizen (by birth or naturalization) and if they were under age 18 on or after February 27, 2001.
For those who were older than age 18 on February 27, 2001, the same rules apply with the additional requirement that both parents become citizens, either through birth or naturalization. However, there are certain exceptions for children born out of wedlock, if one of the parents passes away, or if the naturalizing parent has sole custody pursuant to a legal separation.
Why Choose McGregor & Oblad
The Department of Homeland Security is not going to verify on their own whether an alien is actually a citizen, so it is important that you or your loved one consult an immigration attorney if you believe this to be the case. McGregor & Oblad, PLLC has helped many clients, including clients in deportation proceedings, to prove to the government that they previously became a citizen through their parents.
Our attorneys will first help you determine if you automatically acquired citizenship either at birth or later through one or both parents' naturalization. We will then prepare for you the strongest case to demonstrate that you are in fact a U.S. citizen.
Consultations.
We offer a low initial consultation fee of $75. We also offer limited weeknight and weekend appointments. Please call 214-720-9555 for an appointment.
