Q611. US born child with Indian

passport may face problems in

India . . .

Question: Respected Sir, I came to know your website from the internet while i was trying to find some information regarding the child- birth for Indian parent.[http://nriinformation.com/nri_questions5/faqp age133.htm ] We are staying in US on L1 visa and will go back to our place within a year / two. With the current visa reforms going on it would be very helpful if you can provide me some information regarding the "pros and cons" of the giving birth here. I would like to get some information on the following point: 1. Once the child get birth here, can i get the Indian Passport from USA? 2. If the child get birth here and we have the Indian passport then will that child will be able to avail Govt facility [ like jobs , college, education , buy property etc] May be i am sounding confusing to you, but i really need these information badly ...so please help me if possible. Thanks a lot for your time. Answer: Regarding your questions: 1. Yes! you can get a Indian passport for new born child in USA. Once your child is born in USA, you would have the option of applying for an Indian passport for your new born child at the Indian consulate in USA. However, to get Indian passport, you should not have applied for a US passport. If you have already applied for a US passport for your child, then the Indian passport application will be rejected. Kindly note that even though you may opt to get a Indian passport for your newborn, your child will always be considered to be a US citizen under US law. Unless, on reaching the age of majority, US citizenship is formally renounced. 2. If all your family, including your new born child remain Indian citizens, I can’t foresee any problems your child may face in the early stages. However at some point of time when sensitive government jobs etc. come into play, then there is a possibility that your child’s US citizenship may cause hindrance. In India, no matter where or what type of application one fills out, whether it is for school, university or job. They normally ask for place of birth. Remember, place and country of birth of your child will always remain the same! even if at a later stage on reaching the age of maturity, your child renounces US citizenship. All being said and done, there must be millions of people who would give up just about anything for the privilege of getting US citizenship! and yes, there are many benefits of US citizenship. Everyone has their own priorities and need to make their own decisions in such matters.