Legal Definitions - acquisition of citizenship

Acquisition of citizenship is when someone who was born outside of the United States can become a U.S. citizen because at least one of their parents is a U.S. citizen. This means that if a child meets certain requirements, they can "acquire" citizenship through their parent even if they were born in another country.

The rules for acquiring citizenship have changed over time, so it's important to look at the laws that were in place when the child was born. For example, if someone was born after November 13, 1986, they can acquire citizenship if both of their parents are U.S. citizens and one of them lived in the U.S. before the child was born. If only one parent is a U.S. citizen, they must have lived in the U.S. for at least five years, two of which must have been after they turned 14.

Here are some examples:

• John was born in Canada in 1995. His mother is a U.S. citizen who lived in the U.S. for 10 years before John was born. Because John was born after November 13, 1986, he can acquire U.S. citizenship through his mother.
• Sarah was born in Mexico in 1980. Her father is a U.S. citizen who lived in the U.S. for 8 years before Sarah was born. Because Sarah was born before November 13, 1986, different rules apply. However, because her father lived in the U.S. for more than 5 years before she was born, she may be able to acquire U.S. citizenship through him.

These examples show how someone can acquire U.S. citizenship through a parent, depending on when they were born and whether their parent meets certain requirements. It's important to follow the rules carefully and provide all necessary documentation to prove eligibility for citizenship.