Under U.S. immigration law, there are three primary ways to obtain citizenship:

(1)   Citizenship at Birth (Jus soli, or right of birthplace): Generally, persons born in the United States or certain territories or outlying possessions of the United States are considered to be U.S. citizens. In addition, under certain circumstances, individuals born abroad may “acquire” U.S. citizenship at birth if at least one parent is a U.S. citizen and other eligibility requirements are met.

(2)   Citizenship through Parents (Jus sanguinis, or right of blood): Under certain circumstances, individuals may “acquire” or “derive” U.S. citizenship through their parents, and in some cases, through their grandparents.

(3)   Citizenship through Naturalization: Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Individuals who wish to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization or who believe they may already be U.S. citizens by birth or through naturalization must first determine if they meet the eligibility requirements. Orner & O’Brien assists individuals in determining their citizenship eligibility and whether there are any issues including, but not limited to, traveling or residing outside the United States for extended periods of time or criminal issues that could prevent a finding of good moral character.

For more information, please visit:

Citizenship at Birth | Citizenship through Parents | Citizenship through Naturalization