As best as I can summarize it, according to section 301 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), the following hold true for those born outside of the United Sttaes to one or two US citizen parents.
Through birth abroad to two United States citizens:Anyhow, this is how I read it. I am sure, after looking at all of this, that a lawyer would have to be involved to make sense of it in some cases. Thanks for your own personal example that got me to look even deeper. I believe, if both of your paretns were US citzens at the time of your birth abroad, and at least one of them lived in the US for some time prior to your birth that your case should be an open and shut case of natural US citzenship. But again, that's just how I read it, apparently it also had to be applied for in that manner at a US embassy or consulate at the time.A person is considered a natural born U.S. citizen if both of the following are true:
1) Both parents were U.S. citizens at the time of the child's birth.
2) At least one parent lived in the United States prior to the child's birth.A person's record of birth abroad, if registered with a U.S. consulate or embassy, is proof of his or her citizenship. He or she may also apply for a passport or a Certificate of Citizenship to have his or her citizenship recognized.
Through birth abroad to one United States citizen a person is considered a natural born U.S. citizen if all of the following are true:
1) One of his or her parents was a U.S. citizen at the time of the person in question's birth;
2) The citizen parent lived at least 5 years in the United States before his or her child's birth;
3) At least 2 of these 5 years in the United States were after the citizen parent's 14th birthday, except before November 14, 1986, where a person is a citizen if his or her U.S. citizen parent lived in the U.S. for at least 10 years and 5 of those years in the U.S. were after the citizen parent's 14th birthday. The newer law does not apply retroactively.A person's record of birth abroad, if registered with a U.S. consulate or embassy, is proof of his or her citizenship. Such a person may also apply for a passport or a Certificate of Citizenship to have his or her citizenship recognized.
You would think wouldn't you? And I think it is that way today.
However, take my word for it - If there were any way my parents could have prevented me being naturalized, they would have done so. At the time I was born, the laws were very specific and military procedures were adhered to very strictly - My birth was handled per those procedures, much to the chagrin of my mother.
I have since inquired and been told that I could possibly do away with my naturalization and be regarded as natural-born, but I'd have to hire an immigration attorney to navigate the system.
I'd rather spend my money on a safe - I find it to be infinitely more useful than just about any lawyer I've ever met.
Col Sanders