NATURALIZATION & U.S. CITIZENSHIP
At Kennedy Law, we guide clients to U.S. citizenship through naturalization and help children born abroad to U.S. citizen parents secure proof of citizenship. We provide clear guidance, thorough legal analysis, and a complete review of your immigration history to avoid costly mistakes.
Derivative & Acquired Citizenship
Some individuals acquire or derive U.S. citizenship through a U.S. citizen parent and may already be citizens without needed documentation to evidence it. Citizenship by law—rather than through an application—depends on factors such as the year of birth abroad, the parent’s citizenship status, legal custody, and residency requirements.
We assist with:
- Children of U.S. citizens born abroad (including cases involving one U.S. citizen parent or dual nationality questions)
- Green card holders who automatically acquired or derived citizenship through a parent
- Applicants for a Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-600) or U.S. passport based on lawful transmission of citizenship
Special considerations include:
- Birth abroad to unmarried parents
- Step-parent or adopted parent relationships
- Military or diplomatic service abroad
- Gaps in physical presence or U.S. residency
Passport vs. N-600 Applications
In some cases, applying directly for a U.S. passport can be faster and less costly than filing Form N-600. However, in most situations, Form N-600 is the safer choice. At Kennedy Law, we guide clients toward the strategy that offers both proof of citizenship and long-term security. You should consider filing Form N-600 instead of — or in addition to — a U.S. passport application when:
- You want permanent, USCIS-issued proof – A Certificate of Citizenship never expires and remains valid for life, unlike a passport, which must be renewed.
- You need an official domestic record – USCIS maintains N-600 approvals in its system, which can be critical decades later if your passport is lost, stolen, or questioned.
- Your case is complex – If there is any uncertainty about eligibility (e.g., derivative citizenship rules, disputed parentage, or gaps in physical presence), securing USCIS confirmation first can prevent serious problems. Applying for a passport without meeting the legal requirements can be treated as a false claim to U.S. citizenship, a permanent bar to most immigration benefits under INA § 212(a)(6)(C)(ii).
- Certain agencies require it – Some government programs, security clearances, and benefit providers will only accept a Certificate of Citizenship, not a passport.
- You want certainty before travel – If a passport application is denied, it may trigger allegations of false claim to citizenship. An approved N-600 removes that doubt before you apply for a passport.