106-28
November 2, 2000

President Signs Child Citizenship Act Of 2000

On October 30, 2000, the President signed into law H.R. 2883, the "Child Citizenship Act of 2000" (Public Law 106-395.) Under the new law, certain blind and disabled children may become U.S. citizens sooner than under previous law and, thus, eligible for Supplemental Security Income sooner than they otherwise would as noncitizens.

Specifically, P.L. 106-395:

  • Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide automatic U.S. citizenship for a child born outside the United States when the following conditions are met: (1) at least one parent is a U.S. citizen; (2) the child is under 18 years old; and (3) the child is residing in the United States in the legal and physical custody of the citizen parent pursuant to a lawful admission for permanent residence. Applies such provision to an adopted child meeting certain definitional requirements who is adopted by a U.S. citizen parent.
  • Provides for issuance of a certificate of naturalization for a child born outside of the United States when the following conditions are met: (1) at least one parent is a U.S. citizen who has been present in the United States for not less than five years, at least two of which were after having attained the age of 14, or who has a citizen parent meeting such requirements; (2) the child is under 18 years old; and (3) the child is residing outside the United States in the legal and physical custody of the citizen parent, is temporarily and lawfully present in the United States, and is maintaining such lawful status. Applies such provision to an adopted child meeting certain definitional requirements who is adopted by a U.S. citizen parent.
  • Is effective 120 days after enactment.