Attorney
Jody Marten developed the Children's Citizenship Project to help parents of children adopted through from other countries with the U.S. citizenship process. The Project's goal is to ensure that eligible children become documented US citizens. Jody Marten works with a network of immigration and adoption attorneys committed to children's citizenship issues. The Project works with parents, schools and the USCIS to ensure that all children, eligible for certificates of citizenship, receive them. We also organize educational workshops; provide group processing and individual representation.
Why your child needs a certificate of citizenship?
The Certificate of Citizenship is the official documentation of citizenship in the United States. Many adopted children, who are eligible for certificates of citizenship as a result of the passage of the Child Citizenship Act of 2001, do not have certificates.
There are many advantages to obtaining the Certificate of Citizenship:
- Your child can use the certificate for identification.
- The certificate can be used when obtaining basic educational benefits
- It can be used when applying for a social security number and a passport.
- If the certificate gets lost, your child can readily secure a duplicate Certificate from USCIS.
Is my child eligible for the Certificate of Citizenship?
Under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 (CCA), a child automatically will acquire U.S. citizenship on the date all of the following criteria and requirements are satisfied:
- The child is under 18 years of age
or was under 18 on February 27,
2001.
- If the child was adopted, the
adoption must be full and final.
- One adoptive parent is a US citizen.
- The child was admitted to the United
States as an immigrant.
- The child must be in the legal and
physical custody of the United
States citizen parent, or parents.
- If the child was adopted through
the two-year custody requirements
of the Act, the time must be
satisfied.
What will Attorney Marten do?
Attorney Jody Marten will send you a packet of materials including the list of documents that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires. In order for Attorney Marten to proceed, she must receive the materials including the Attorney Representation form, the payment for services and the fees for the USCIS. Prior to submitting the completed Form N-600 or Form N-400 to the USCIS, she will return it to you for review and signature. She will closely monitor the application to ensure timely processing.
What is the cost of the Services?
The basic cost for these services and expenses start at $500. There is an additional fee of $420 paid to the USCIS with the submission of the application Form N-600 for the cost of the Certificate of Citizenship.
The cost for young adults, ages eighteen and above, who need to file Form N-400, is $675 including the biometrics. There is an initial attorneys' fees beginning at $750.
What if my child does not meet the requirements?
If the child does not meet the qualifications under the CCA, please contact the office for a consultation, so additional guidance can be provided.
| For more information contact Jody Marten. |
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