Legal Question in Immigration Law in California

Not sure if someone is a citizen

Friend of family is not sure if she is a citizen. She was born in Mexico and came here at age 6 months. She has gone through school system here and her mother got her citizen ship around 1994 or 1995, when this friend was about 12 years old. Is she a citizen because her mother became one prior to her turning 18? If so, how does she prove it. If not, how can she become one? She has a SS number but can't seem to get a SS card because they need ''proof'' she is here legally. The mother is not cooperative regarding giving her papers, etc. This friend says she has a birth certificate from Mexico if that helps any. She really wants to work but can't without the SS card.


Asked on 2/10/05, 2:40 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Larry L. Doan Law Office of Larry L. Doan

Re: Not sure if someone is a citizen

This is not so simple. It would be necessary to know whether your friend immigrated here LEGALLY when she was about 6 months old and so has a green card. If so, then whether she was still under 18 as of Feb. 27, 2001, which was when the Child Citizenship Act went into effect. If so, she might get the automatic citizenship.

You need to have this friend consult with a qualified immigration attorney.

Larry Liem Doan, Esq.

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Answered on 2/10/05, 3:51 am
Baoqin Wang Law Office of Baoqin Wang

Re: Not sure if someone is a citizen

Your friend really needs her mother's cooperation in providing documents or evidence about her or her mother's immigration papers. Otherwise it's difficult for attorneys to provide meaningful advice.

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Answered on 2/10/05, 2:58 pm


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