US military kids rule doesn’t change birthright citizenship

AP PHOTO

WASHINGTON — Immigration officials say new rules on obtaining citizenship for children born overseas to U.S. service members don’t affect birthright citizenship.

The rules caused confusion among immigration lawyers after a document appeared to show it would affect children of American citizens.

Citizenship and Immigration Services officials say if a child is born overseas to a U.S. citizen who’s a service member, then that child will be an American citizen.

The change affects government employees who are green cardholders and have a child while on duty overseas or adopt a child or are the stepparent of a foreign-born child.

Green cardholders need to first apply for a green card for the child before obtaining citizenship and must prove residency.

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