Child Citizenship Act of 2000 - Obtaining a Passport for a Child

Some children who are born outside of the United States may automatically acquire U.S. citizenship under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000. However, no proof of citizenship will be issued to the child's biological or adoptive parents unless such proof is requested. Parents may obtain proof of citizenship for their child by applying for a Certificate of Citizenship from the United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In the alternative, the parents may apply for a passport for the child from the United States Department of State.

Documentation Required

In order to obtain a passport for a foreign-born child, the child's parents must submit the following information:

(1) Proof of the child's legal relationship to the U.S. citizen parent;

* If the child is the biological child of the U.S. citizen parent, a certified and translated copy of the child's foreign birth certificate is required.

* If the child is the adopted child of a U.S. citizen parent, a certified and translated copy of the adoption decree is required.

(2) The child's foreign passport showing the USCIS 1-551 stamp, or the child's green card;

(3) Proof of the identity of the U.S. citizen parent; and

(4) The passport application, a photograph of the child, and a filing fee.

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