Children born outside the US may be able to acquire US Citizenship by operation of law through their relationship with one of their parents. The acquisition of US Citizenship through derivative status provides immigrants many rights and freedoms that accompany US Citizenship.

US Citizenship Acquired By Derivative Status Basic Requirements

To be eligible for US Citizenship acquired by derivative status, children must be under 18 years of age and have been born outside the US and its outlying possessions. In addition, the child must have one US citizen parent with whom they reside in the US. Finally, the US citizen parent must have legal and physical custody of the child. Other conditions apply.

US Citizenship Acquired By Derivative Status Entitlements

United States Citizenship provides immigrants with numerous rights and freedoms, including the right to vote, freely travel to and from the US with a United States passport, own all types of property in the US, obtain federal jobs, and petition for a variety of close family members to come to the US and become permanent residents.