How Will My Child Gain United States Citizenship?
Intercountry adoptions raise additional questions pertaining to gaining citizenship for your child. With the complexities surrounding United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations and U.S. immigration laws, an experienced international adoption attorney can help you secure an immigrant visa for your child prior to his or her immigration to the U.S. and assist you in providing a smooth transition for your child.
Dempsey Law‘s practice is built on building families through both domestic and international adoptions. Your lawyer can assist you in filing proper documents and applications, help you find a Hague-accredited service provider and secure citizenship for your child after he or she legally becomes a member of your family.
The ‘How’ And ‘Why’ Of Citizenship For Your Child
Adopted children may automatically be deemed U.S. citizens once the following criteria are met:
- He or she is less than 18 years of age
- The child has received admittance to the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident (LPR)
- He or she receives proven immediate relative status
- You have the child in your custody in the U.S.
It may be necessary to obtain a certificate of citizenship to secure a U.S. passport for your child. With ever-changing immigration legislation, the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires this document to prove citizenship in the following circumstances:
- Getting a North Carolina driver’s license
- Applying for employment opportunities
- Submitting college applications
- Requesting financial aid
- Travelling internationally
- Joining the U.S. armed forces
- Avoiding deportation
Find Out More About Citizenship For Adopted Children
The process of intercountry adoption is incredibly complex. Dempsey Law serves clients with international adoption and citizenship matters in person as well as by phone, email and Skype.
Call our Charlotte, North Carolina, law office at 704-251-2500 or our Boca Raton, Florida, law office at 561-489-2248, or complete our online contact form to arrange a meeting with an experienced adoption attorney today.