M E M O R A N D U M

IM-195 10/31/01 CHILD CITIZENSHIP ACT OF 2000


SUBJECT:
CHILD CITIZENSHIP ACT OF 2000
 
DISCUSSION:
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 was signed into law on October 30, 2000, and was effective February 27, 2001.  The Act grants automatic citizenship to children born in a foreign country who meet specific rules.  Each child must be:
  • under 18 years of age, and
  •  admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident, and
  •  in the legal and physical custody of at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen.
Children who are granted automatic citizenship under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 are eligible for food stamp benefits if they meet all other eligibility requirements. 

Children adopted abroad by a U.S. citizen receive the same treatment as children born abroad to U.S. citizens.

Issue food stamp benefits beginning with the month the household reports the child has been granted citizenship.

Example: Mrs. Jacobs was approved for food stamps October 2000 through September 2001.  Her five-year-old daughter was born in France, and was a lawful permanent resident at the time of application.  She was ineligible for food stamps because she did not meet citizenship eligibility requirements.  On June 5, 2001, Mrs. Jacobs reported her daughter had been granted citizenship under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 and provided documentation.  This is a significant change.  Her daughter is eligible for food stamp benefits beginning June 2001.
 
NECESSARY ACTION:
  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
  • Issue benefits for children granted automatic citizenship under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, beginning the month the citizenship is reported.
NEY
Distribution #6
[ Memorandum Table of Contents ]
IM-194
IM-196