The Immigration and Naturalization Service issued a fact sheet on the Child Citizenship Act of 2000. Acquiring citizenship automatically means citizenship acquired by law without the need to apply for this status. If they want to pursue citizenship, they must apply for naturalization if they meet eligibility requirements that currently exist for adult lawful permanent residents.
Eligible children have to apply for proof of citizenship.
For application filed to recognize citizenship status already acquired and pending to be processed, the INS will continue to adjudicate such applications under the relevant law applicable to the case. For the application that required INS approval before an individual could be deemed a U.S. citizen, INS will adjudicate those cases under current law until February 27, 2001. The naturalization process in such situations cannot take place overseas. The child has to be in the U.S. temporarily to complete naturalization processing and take the oath of allegiance.