Child Citizenship Act
Acquired citizenship for foreign-born children of U.S. citizens
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 (CCA), which went into effect on February 27, 2001, allows certain foreign-born children of American citizens to acquire U.S. citizenship automatically. The Act applies equally to biological and adopted children. These children did not acquire citizenship at birth, but they are granted citizenship when they enter the United States as lawful permanent residents (LPRs).
The Child Citizenship Act applies to those children who:
- Have at least one parent with U.S. citizenship, either by birth or naturalization;
- Are under 18 years of age;
- Have been admitted to the U.S. for lawful permanent residence or completed an adjustment of status if already in the U.S.;
- Live in the legal and physical custody of the American citizen parent.
If the child is adopted, the adoption must be full and final before the child’s 16th birthday. For more details, please review the CCA Fact Sheet provided by USCIS, or contact us for assistance.