Obtaining Evidence of US Citizenship

If you have a legitimate claim to US citizenship, in order to establish that claim you need to submit an application for some type of citizen document. If your birth took place outside the territorial US and you acquired US citizenship at birth from your parents or derived it through your parent's naturalization, the following documents will be recognized as proof of US citizenship.

- US Passports - Certificates of Citizenship

US Passports If you were born abroad to US citizen parents, you can apply for a US passport in the same manner as someone born in the United States. However, you will have the additional requirement of establishing your citizenship claim. Passports are available from passport offices in the US (run by the US department of state) and at the US consulates outside the US. Wherever you are applying, you will be instructed to present proof of your parents US citizenship and evidence that they, and you, complied with any applicable US residency requirements. You will need to present documents such as birth or citizenship records of your parents or grandparents and work or tax records establishing US residency for your parents or grandparents.

Certificates of Citizenship

Certificates of citizenship are issued only inside the US by USCIS offices. Anyone with a claim to US citizenship can apply for a certificate of citizenship. In most cases it is harder and takes considerably longer to get a certificate of citizenship in comparison to a US passport. However, in situations where your US citizenship was acquired automatically through the naturalization of a parent, certificate of citizen applications are the best choice. Actually, the moment a parent is naturalized, the children can, upon the parents demand be issued certificates of citizenship simultaneously with their naturalization certificates.

Certificates of citizenship not requested simultaneously with a parent's naturalization can be applied for later, on form N-600. Form N-600k must be used for children living outside the US who apply for citizenship through their parents. The current fee for both the N-600 and the N-600k is $600 dollars. Copies of these forms and detailed instructions are available on the USCIS website.

I recommend that you also prepare a cover letter explaining the basis of your claim to US citizenship and describing the documents you are offering as proof. These ought to include your parent's birth certificates, marriage certificate, and any divorce decrees to show legal changes in your name since birth. If you are not applying as the child of a naturalized citizen, your letter should also list whatever evidence you will be presenting to show that you have met any residency requirements.

Form N-600, the documents, and the cover letter should be submitted to the USCIS office having jurisdiction over your place of residence in the US, as indicated on the USCIS website. If you're filing form N-600k, you can choose to send it to any USCIS field office. You will more than likely be called in for an interview on your application. In the busier USCIS offices, it can take up to a year to get a decision on an application for a certificate of citizenship.

Citizenship and Immigration in Canada: Thoughts to Ponder

Aside from having a democratic government, beautiful sceneries, and economic stability, Canada is a diversified country that is also home to millions of immigrants. Many ethnic and religious groups such as French, Scottish, Irish, Germans, Italians, Chinese, aborigines, Dutch, and Asians have lived and worked in the country since 1970.

Steps to Becoming a Canadian Citizen

For more than 400 years, settlers and immigrants have played a vital role in the continued success and richness of the country. Although acquiring citizenship and immigration in Canada is a tedious process, the country takes pride in providing boundless opportunities to its people. As with other countries, Canadian men and women have equal rights and responsibilities. It does not tolerate "barbaric" cultural practices, spousal abuse, honour killings, forced marriage, and other gender-biased violence. Those who are guilty of such crimes will be punished under the country's criminal laws. Thus, rights and privileges come with responsibilities such as:

The Law - Its founding principle is "no person or group is above the law." Each citizen is expected to obey rules and policies that are regulated by the law and not by arbitrary actions.

Responsibility - It is equally important that each citizen understands his/her responsibilities. This includes having a job and taking care of one's family, which contributes to personal dignity, self-respect, and the country's prosperity.

Jury Service - Each citizen takes part in ensuring that law and justice are properly implemented. Thus, serving on a jury when called to do so, is a significant role and a privilege for the justice system work effectively.

Voting - The country's electoral system is based on a parliamentary system of government. All citizens have the right to choose their representatives and will be informed by the chief electoral officer about individual rights and processes involved ensuring that voting will be easy. Thus, public information is announced through news releases, advertisements, toll-free telephone inquiries, websites, and community meetings.

Community Involvement - Another significant role that comes with citizenship and immigration in Canada is volunteerism. Helping each other in the community is an excellent way to develop useful skills, values, and character to promote common good and quality life.

Protecting the Heritage - Canada is one of the few countries in the world that is well known for its magnificent sceneries and wildlife. The government, as well as the citizens, plays a vital role in protecting and preserving natural resources and cultural heritage. Thus, Environment Canada, one of the three federal departments, fulfills its mandate by conserving and protecting at-risk species and wildlife habitats.

There are approximately 160,000 who become Canadian citizens every year. To be eligible for citizenship and immigration in Canada, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

At least 18 years old;

Adoptive parent or legal guardian may apply for his/her child or children;

Child/children must be a permanent resident but has/have not necessarily lived in the country for three years;

Parent/adoptive parent must be a Canadian citizen or applying to be one;

Have adequate knowledge of the two official languages (English and French);

Not convicted of a criminal offence under the Citizenship Act within three years prior to application, on parole or probation, or have been convicted of a war crime or crime against humanity; and

Have an understanding of the country's history, values, and institutions.