U.S. Citizenship is obtained either by acquisition at birth, derivation after birth, or through naturalization. U.S. citizens may live and work in the United States permanently, and cannot lose this status by extended travel abroad. U.S. citizens have many benefits and privileges, including the privilege of voting in U.S. elections, serving on a jury, and holding certain security clearances. U.S. citizens may petition for their parents, spouses, children, and siblings, often with no wait times.

Expat Legal Services Group can help determine a lawful permanent resident’s eligibility for naturalization, and can assist those considering naturalization in the future with issues that may impact eligibility, such as extended travel abroad. U.S. citizenship acquired by birth or derivation can present complex scenarios and issues of law and fact.

For children born to American parents overseas, whether U.S. citizenship status is conferred will depend on whether both parents are U.S. citizens, the parents’ marital status, and even the length of time the parents’ lived in the United States. While often a straightforward determination, complexities can always arise.

Expat Legal Services Group can assess your situation and the merits and proof of any claim to citizenship and assist with the preparation and filing of applications for certificates of citizenship, U.S. passports, and consular reports of birth abroad.