Q.895 US Citizenship for a child

born in USA to Indian Parents . . .

Dear Sir, 1. My son was born in USA, at the Dewitt Army Hospital, Fort Belvoir in Fair Fax County, Virginia, on 18 May 1990. I hold the following documents relevant to his birth in USA:- (a) “Certification of Vital Record”, from Common wealth of Virginia, USA. (b) “Certificate of Birth”, De Witt Army Community Hospital, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, USA. (c) Video recording of the pre and post birth events at the Fort Belvoir Hospital. (d) Medical History Records of his mother, from the Army Hospital. 2. I was then attending the “Amphibious warfare Course" with the US Marines, at Quantico, USA, from July 1989 to May 1990. I was not an accredited officer: 3. My wife was visiting USA on a Blue Passport, on a non-immigrant Visa, issued by the US Embassy New Delhi, on 28 July 1989, which is available for reference. 4. An official entry of my son's birth in USA, was made in my Wife's Passport by the Indian Embassy, Washington, on her return to India in June 1990. 5. My son's Birth Certificate was made by the Indian Authorities based on the Birth Registration in his mother’s passport and his present Passport endorses his place of Birth as Fort Belvoir, USA. 6. My son presently holds Indian Citizenship, but is determined to get the US Citizenship. 7. I may kindly be advised on his eligibility for grant of US Citizenship and the way to apply with relevant forms. With Best Wishes and warm regards Rakesh Pandit Question: Form for Obtaining US Passport I am 26 years old and was born to Indian parents in USA. I came back to India at the age of 1 month without an American passport, on my mother's passport. I have so far made no attempt to obtain a US Passport. What Form do I use for applying for a US Passport to the US Embassy in New Delhi . Avijit Pandit Answer: The question of eligibility for grant of US citizenship in your son’s case may* not arise as by virtue of his birth in the United States of America, he may already be a US citizen by birth. In such a situation you may consider applying for a US passport. When applying for US passport your son’s birth certificate will be required to process his passport application. Here is a link you can check: http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/service/passports- births-citizenship/adult-passport-first-time- applicant.html *Kindly note that while in most situations a child born in the United States will automatically receive American citizenship. However, children born to diplomats and other recognized government officials from foreign countries will not receive US. citizenship if born in USA. I am not sure whether you represented the Indian government or what your status was when you were in the United States. Note: There are several news reports that the Center for Immigration Studies has stated that children born to foreign diplomats are “entitled to birth certificates.” Several diplomats may have already got US citizenship for their US born children. For more info on this topic visit: http://cis.org/birthright-citizenship-diplomats