What is naturalization?
Naturalization is the process in which your child is given their U.S. citizenship once he or she arrives home. The Adopted Orphans Citizenship Act now makes naturalization automatic for a foreign born child of U.S. citizens. This eliminates the need to file with CIS to obtain your child’s citizenship. Citizenship is now proved through application and receipt of your child’s U.S. Passport. If you would still prefer to have an actual citizenship certificate you may file an additional form with your local CIS office. Your child will then be invited to participate in a U.S. Citizenship ceremony where they will be granted U.S. Citizenship. CIS offices vary in how long it takes to complete this process. You should anticipate a nine month to two-year process from the time of filing. AGCI requires that all parents ensure their children are given the gift of U.S. Citizenship.
