When are you considered a US Citizen?

This isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. We have quoted the text from the American Citizenship organization. Please refer to their website to find out more information as it pertains to your own personal situation.

A person may become a United States citizen by birth or through naturalization. Generally, if you are born in the United States, or born to US citizens, you are considered to be a US citizen. Unless you are born to a foreign diplomat. You are also considered to be a US citizen at birth if you were born in Puerto Rico, Guam, or the US Virgin Islands. Your birth certificate will be your proof of your US citizenship.

Also considered American citizen

If you were born abroad to parents who are both American citizens and at least one of them has lived in the United States at some time in his/her life, you are also considered to be a US citizen. If you were born abroad,  your birth is registered with a US consulate or embassy. That record will be proof of your citizenship.

If you are born abroad to one United States citizen and one foreign citizen, you may be considered a US citizen if you meet the following requirements:

  • One of your parents was a US citizen when you were born.
  • The parent who is a US citizen has lived at least five years in the US before you were born.
  • The parent who is a U.S. citizen must have lived in the US for at least two of those five years following his/her fourteenth birthday.

If you’re considered a US citizen you need to file tax returns with the IRS.

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