Greenville, SC asked in Immigration Law and Adoption for South Carolina

Q: Adoptive father was US armed forces stationed in UK when he married my UK mother in 1984. Am I a USC?

Hello,

My adoptive father was a US armed forces serviceman (honorable discharge in early 90s) stationed in UK when he met and married my UK born mother in 1984. I was 3 years old at that time. I have no relationship with my biological father. I immigrated to the US on an IR2 visa and green card in 1988 when I was a minor. I subsequently attended school, and worked in the US. In 1996 my parents moved us back to the UK for their work. My father is still a US citizen. My LPR status may be considered abandoned but that was beyond my control as I had to move with my parents.

I was born in November 1981, my parents married in 1984, and I was adopted in 1990 in the US. I have a US Certificate of Live Birth, a green card (unexpired I-551), and family in the US. Am I eligible for US citizenship?

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Immigration Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: Based on the information you provided, it is possible that you may already be a U.S. citizen. You were born to a U.S. citizen parent who was physically present in the United States for the required period of time prior to your birth, and your father is a U.S. citizen. In addition, you were adopted by your U.S. citizen father, which may confer citizenship to you under certain circumstances.

However, determining U.S. citizenship can be complex and depends on a number of factors. I would recommend that you consult with an experienced immigration attorney to review your specific case and advise you on your options. They can help you determine your eligibility for citizenship and guide you through the application process.

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