Becoming a US citizen has always been one of the most sought-after goals for immigrants. With its strong economic opportunities, robust healthcare system, and relative political stability, it is easy to see why so many are drawn to becoming a citizen of this great country. But what is the best pathway to becoming a US citizen by birth?

Who Qualifies for US Citizenship by Birth?

To become a U.S. citizen by birth, you must:

1. Have been born in the United States or certain territories or outlying possessions of the United States, such as Puerto Rico.
2. Have at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen, whether by birth or naturalization .

If you meet the basic qualifications listed above, you may acquire citizenship through what is known as “jus soli”, or “right of soil.” This means that if you were born on American soil (or certain qualifying territories), you are automatically granted citizenship.

 However, if you were born outside of the United States to parents who are U.S. citizens, this is known as “jus sanguinis”, or “right of blood,” and you can still obtain citizenship through this method. There are also some special cases in which children may be born to non-citizen parents but still qualify for U.S. citizenship at birth—this includes situations where one parent is a U.S. citizen and the other parent is a non-citizen national, or where one parent is a resident alien and the other parent is deceased.

How Does the US Government Define Citizenship by Birth?

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) defines citizens by birth as those individuals born in the United States or one of its territories. US citizenship confers certain rights and privileges, including;

1. The right to live and work in the United States,
2. The right to vote,
3. The right to travel freely throughout the country, and
4. Citizenship also grants access to government benefits, such as Social Security and Medicare.

While being born in the United States is the most common way to become a citizen, there are other ways to obtain citizenship by birth. For example, if one of your parents is a US citizen, you may be eligible for citizenship through them. Furthermore, if you were born outside of the United States but have at least one parent who is a US citizen, you may also be eligible for citizenship.

If you want to obtain US citizenship by birth but don’t meet any of the above criteria, you may still be able to do so through what’s known as “derivative citizenship.” This means that you can become a citizen if another family member (such as a spouse or child) meets the above criteria.

No matter how you become a citizen by birth, it’s important to remember that this status confers significant rights and privileges—as well as responsibilities. As a US citizen, you’ll be expected to obey all federal, state, and local laws; pay taxes; respect the rights of others;

What is the Application Process for Becoming a US Citizen by Birth?

The application process for becoming a US citizen by birth is relatively simple. If you were born in the United States, you are automatically a US citizen. There is no need to apply for citizenship. However, if you were born outside of the United States, you will need to go through a few steps to become a US citizen by birth.

• Obtain a Certificate of Live Birth from the country where you were born. This document proves that you were indeed born and that you are alive. 
• Once you have this document, you will need to submit it, along with other supporting documentation, to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 
• The USCIS will then review your application and determine whether or not you meet the requirements for citizenship by birth.

If you are approved, USCIS will issue you a Certificate of Citizenship. This document is your proof of US citizenship and allows you to apply for a passport and other benefits that are available to US citizens.

What Documents are included with an Application for US Citizenship by Birth?

When applying for U.S. Citizenship by Birth, several documents must be included with the application. These include:

1. A Copy of your Birth Certificate- This must be an official copy, issued by the government of the country where you were born. If you were born in the United States, this will be a certified copy of your birth certificate from the state in which you were born.
2. A copy of your Passport- If you have one. If you do not have a passport, you will need to provide other proof of identity and citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or a previous U.S. passport.
3. Proof of Residency- You will need to provide documentation showing that you have resided in the United States for at least five years before applying for citizenship. This can include things like utility bills, school records, tax returns, etc.
4. Two Recent Passport-Style Photographs- These must be taken within 30 days of submitting your citizenship application and should be 2 inches by 2 inches in size with a white background.
5. A Check or Money Order for the Required Fee- The current fee for applying for U.S. Citizenship by Birth is $725; this includes the $640 application fee and the $85 biometrics fee (for fingerprinting). Fees are subject to change so it’s important to check with USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) before submitting.

What are the Benefits of Becoming a US Citizen by Birth?

Becoming a US citizen by birth comes with several benefits. These benefits include:

• The right to vote.
• The right to hold public office.
• The right to apply for a passport.
• The right to live and work in the United States without restriction.
• Citizens by birth are also entitled to certain government benefits, such as social security and Medicare. 
• Citizenship by birth confers upon an individual the full protection of the US government, both domestically and abroad.

What are Common Mistakes People Make When Trying to Become a US Citizen by Birth?

There are a few common mistakes people make when trying to become a US citizen by birth. These include:

• Failing to File the Proper Paperwork- If you want to become a US citizen by birth, you must file the proper paperwork with the US government. This includes completing and filing an application for citizenship and providing supporting documentation.
• Not Meeting the Residency Requirements- To be eligible for citizenship by birth, you must meet certain residency requirements. This includes living in the US for at least five years before applying for citizenship.
• Failing to take the Required Tests- Several tests must be taken to become a US citizen by birth. These include an English proficiency test and a civics test.
• Not following through with the Naturalization Process- Once you have met all of the requirements for citizenship by birth, you must then complete the naturalization process. This includes attending an interview and taking an oath of allegiance to the United States.

Birthright citizenship in the US is a difficult process. To do this, one must navigate the complexities of birthright citizenship and satisfy numerous formal requirements. But for those who satisfy these requirements, obtaining US citizenship may be incredibly beneficial, opening up opportunities such as freedom of travel within the nation, as well as other advantages like access to public services paid for with tax dollars. We encourage anyone thinking about embarking on this exciting path to becoming an American citizen to read more about it and set out on their quest armed with the knowledge they need to succeed