Acquisition of US Citizenship through Adoption

Children born abroad and adopted by US citizen parents may acquire US citizenship from their parents. Starting on February 27, 2001, children who could satisfy the following requirements before their 18^th birthdays automatically became US citizens:

1. The child was lawfully adopted (whether in the US or abroad) by at least one U.S.
   citizen parent;
2. The child obtained Lawful Permanent Resident status (commonly called a “green
   card”);and
3. The child resided in the care and custody of the US citizen adoptive parent.

Until October 5, 1978, there was no automatic acquisition of US citizenship for adopted children, though their parents (or the adopted children themselves, upon reaching majority) could apply for naturalization. Between October 5, 1978 and February 27, 2001, adoptive parents could apply for a Certificate of Citizenship or a Certificate of Naturalization for their adoptive children whom they adopted before the age of 16, and the adoptive children would have to take the Oath of Allegiance before turning 18.

There are many adoptees who are US citizens but may not have proof of their citizenship, because applying for a Certificate of Citizenship is not mandatory.

If you think that you may have obtained citizenship through your adoptive parent(s), contact Tanner Law Offices at (717) 731-8114 to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.