When I was adopted, it was not nearly as easy as it is now for a Korean adoptee to become a U.S. citizen. I was here several years before I become a naturalized citizen. I had to go to the court house and raise my right hand (or my parents did) along with all of the other Permanent Residents who were becoming citizens. According to my mother, the day I became a citizen was one the few days I really let loose. We had a big party and I danced my heart out. Unfortunately, they have pictures.

Now the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 makes it pretty easy. This bill allows children born abroad to become automatic citizens as long as they meet the following criteria:

• The child must be under the age of 19
• The child must be a permanent resident
• The child must be in the custody of one parent who is a U.S. citizen
• There is a full and final adoption of the child.

For a child adopted from Korea, they become a citizen the moment the adoption is final in the courts.

In order to have proof of citizenship you can apply for a passport or you can still apply for naturalization documents.

For a passport you will need:
• You can obtain an application at the Post Office.
• The child’s foreign passport or green card
• Birth certificate
• Two identical photos
• Application Fee

For naturalization you will need:
• You can get form N-600 at http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/n-600.htm
• Follow the directions on the form.

Because citizenship is automatic, you don’t have to do either of these. I haven’t done either one yet. I plan to complete the N-600, but it’s more for the sentimental side of me and it isn’t a high priority right now. It’s something to add to the scrap book.