There are three ways in which a person may gain U.S. citizenship.  First, a person becomes a U.S. citizen by birth if the person is born in the United States or one of its territories, such as Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the U.S. Polynesian Islands.  Second, a person born outside of the United States may derive U.S. citizenship from parents who are U.S. citizens.  For example, under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, effective as of February 27, 2001, any child under the age of 18 who is living in the legal and physical custody of an American citizen parent may be admitted as an immigrant for lawful permanent residence and then immediately become a U.S. citizen.  The foreign born person may be the biological child of the U.S. citizen parent or the adopted child, so long as the adoption is full and final.   Prior to February 27, 2001, the law generally required both of the child’s parents to be U.S. citizens prior to the child turning 18 in order for that child to derive U.S. citizenship, though exemptions apply.  Third, a foreign national may also become a U.S citizen though naturalization. Naturalization is a process in which a foreign national who is currently a permanent resident (also called a green card holder) applies to become a United States citizen. As mentioned in later FAQs, there are a number of requirements for naturalization. 

Should you have any questions regarding your immigration matters, please contact the experienced immigration attorneys of Smith & Garg at 562-590-7300 or call our toll-free number at 877-517-4275.  You can also submit an inquiry through our Long Beach Immigration Online Inquiry.