We’ve been experiencing an increase in requests related to adoptee citizenship, which has prompted us to reshare this information about the importance of, and process for, obtaining proof of citizenship.
A Certificate of Citizenship (COC) is a document that proves U.S. citizenship. It is issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Obtaining a Certificate of Citizenship (COC) is important for international adoptees in the U.S.
- The COC provides legal proof of the child’s status as a U.S. citizen, which is necessary for many administrative and legal processes.
- A U.S. Passport will expire, but a COC will not expire.
- Without a COC, adoptees may have difficulty obtaining essential documents such as driver’s licenses, passports, and social security cards.
- Having a COC can prevent future legal issues. Adoptees without proof of citizenship may be required to go through a lengthy naturalization process. In some extreme cases, they could face arrest, detainment, or even deportation to their birth country.
- According to the G-1055, Fee Schedule, there is no fee for filing an N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship
Child Citizenship Act (CCA) of 2000.
According to the U.S. Department of State: The CCA took effect on February 27, 2001. Children who were 18 or older on this date cannot obtain U.S. citizenship under this law. These children may have obtained U.S. citizenship under the former Section 321 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. They also may apply for naturalization with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Children who were under 18 or after February 27, 2001 can obtain U.S. citizenship under the CCA if they meet the law’s requirements. To obtain U.S. citizenship, a child born outside the United States must meet all of these requirements before age 18:
- Have at least one U.S. citizen parent by birth, naturalization, or adoption
- Be a lawful permanent resident of the United States
- Show a permanent resident card or an 1-1551 stamp in the child’s passport.
- Reside (or have resided) in the United States in the legal and physical custody of a U.S. citizen parent
- U.S. Department of State: Adoptees + U.S. Citizenship Information
- Alliance for Adoptee Citizenship
- Adoptees United
- Adoptees for Justice
- Know Your Rights: If You Encounter ICE
Articles
- Addressing Adoptee Citizenship Concerns – NCFA
- Is Your Citizenship Status Correct? – The TIES Program
- Citizenship & Immigration Issues for Intercountry Adopted People: FAQ – AdopteesUnited
- Some US Adoptees Fear Stricter Immigration Policies, Mass Deportations – Human Rights Watch
Legal
Our Post Adoption Team may be able to assist you with finalizing an international adoption in the U.S., after your adoption case is closed. This service may also be helpful for those obtaining Certificates of Citizenship from USCIS.
Please note we are experiencing a high volume of service requests. Some requests may experience a wait time to begin, we will be transparent with timelines as we receive your individual service request. We do not want fees to be a barrier to accessing services, you’ll find our abbreviated Adoption Support Fund application included with the Service Request Form.
We are able to provide the International Adoption Finalization & Citizenship Support Service for adult adoptees (age 18+), or adoptive parents whose adoptions were completed by Children’s Home, LSS, or contracted organization (CH/LSS provides post adoption services for over twenty other entities including international agencies that have closed).
You can expect:
- Consultation with our Post Adoption staff
- Location and retrieval of adoption record
- Support gathering and submitting required documentation for U.S. adoption petition and/or Certificate of Citizenship (COC).
- Connection to optional continued support and resources
