The following shall be nationals and citizens of the United States at birth:
(a) a person born in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof;
(b) a person born in the United States to a member of an Indian, Eskimo, Aleutian, or other aboriginal tribe: Provided, That the granting of citizenship under this subsection shall not in any manner impair or otherwise affect the right of such person to tribal or other property;
(c) a person born outside of the United States and its outlying possessions of parents both of whom are citizens of the United States and one of whom has had a residence in the United States or one of its outlying possessions, prior to the birth of such person;
(d) a person born outside of the United States and its outlying possessions of parents one of whom is a citizen of the United States who has been physically present in the United States or one of its outlying possessions for a continuous period of one year prior to the birth of such person, and the other of whom is a national, but not a citizen of the United States;
(e) a person born in an outlying possession of the United States of parents one of whom is a citizen of the United States who has been physically present in the United States or one of its outlying possessions for a continuous period of one year at any time prior to the birth of such person;
(f) a person of unknown parentage found in the United States while under the age of five years, until shown, prior to his attaining the age of twenty-one years, not to have been born in the United States;
(g) a person born outside the geographical limits of the United States and its outlying possessions of parents one of whom is an alien, and the other a citizen of the United States who, prior to the birth of such person, was physically present in the United States or its outlying possessions for a period or periods totaling not less than five years, at least two of which were after attaining the age of fourteen years: Provided, That any periods of honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States, or periods of employment with the United States Government or with an international organization as that term is defined in section 288 of title 22 by such citizen parent, or any periods during which such citizen parent is physically present abroad as the dependent unmarried son or daughter and a member of the household of a person (A) honorably serving with the Armed Forces of the United States, or (B) employed by the United States Government or an international organization as defined in section 288 of title 22, may be included in order to satisfy the physical-presence requirement of this paragraph. This proviso shall be applicable to persons born on or after December 24, 1952, to the same extent as if it had become effective in its present form on that date; and
(h) a person born before noon (Eastern Standard Time) May 24, 1934, outside the limits and jurisdiction of the United States of an alien father and a mother who is a citizen of the United States who, prior to the birth of such person, had resided in the United States.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 1, §301, 66 Stat. 235; Pub. L. 89–770, Nov. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 1322; Pub. L. 92–584, §§1, 3, Oct. 27, 1972, 86 Stat. 1289; Pub. L. 95–432, §§1, 3, Oct. 10, 1978, 92 Stat. 1046; Pub. L. 99–653, §12, Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3657; Pub. L. 103–416, title I, §101(a), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4306.)
1994—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 103–416 added subsec. (h).
1986—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 99–653 substituted “five years, at least two” for “ten years, at least five”.
1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–432, §3, struck out “(a)” before “The following” and redesignated pars. (1) to (7) as (a) to (g), respectively.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 95–432, §1, struck out subsec. (b) which provided that any person who was a national or citizen of the United States under subsec. (a)(7) lose his nationality or citizenship unless he be continuously physically present in the United States for a period of not less than two years between the ages of 14 and 28 or that the alien parent be naturalized while the child was under 18 years of age and the child began permanent residence in the United States while under 18 years of age and that absence from the United States of less than 60 days not break the continuity of presence.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 95–432, §1, struck out subsec. (c) which provided that former subsec. (b) apply to persons born abroad subsequent to May 24, 1934, except that this not be construed to alter the citizenship of any person born abroad subsequent to May 24, 1934 who, prior to the effective date of this chapter, had taken up residence in the United States before attaining 16 years of age, and thereafter, whether before or after the effective date of this chapter, complied with the residence requirements of section 201(g) and (h) of the Nationality Act of 1940.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 95–432, §1, struck out subsec. (d) which provided that nothing in former subsec. (b) be construed to alter the citizenship of any person who came into the United States prior to Oct. 27, 1972, and who, whether before or after Oct. 27, 1972, immediately following such coming complied with the physical presence requirements for retention of citizenship specified in former subsec. (b), prior to amendment of former subsec. (b) by Pub. L. 92–584.
1972—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 92–584, §1, substituted provisions that nationals and citizens of the United States under subsec. (a)(7), lose such status unless they are present continuously in the United States for two years between the ages of fourteen and twenty eight years, or the alien parent is naturalized while the child is under the age of eighteen years and the child begins to reside permanently in the United States while under the age of eighteen years, and that absence from the United States of less than sixty days will not break the continuity of presence, for provisions that such status would be lost unless the nationals and citizens come to the United States prior to attaining twenty three years and be present continuously in the United States for five years, and that such presence should be between the age of fourteen and twenty eight years.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 92–584, §3, added subsec. (d).
1966—Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 89–770 authorized periods of employment with the United States Government or with an international organization by the citizen parent, or any periods during which the citizen parent is physically present abroad as the dependent unmarried son or daughter and a member of the household of a person (A) honorably serving with the Armed Forces of the United States, or (B) employed by the United States Government or an international organization, to be included in order to satisfy the physical presence requirement, and permitted the proviso to be applicable to persons born on or after December 24, 1952.
Section 23(d) of Pub. L. 99–653, as added by Pub. L. 100–525, §8(r), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2619, provided that: “The amendment made by section 12 [amending this section] shall apply to persons born on or after November 14, 1986.”
Section 1 of Pub. L. 95–432 provided that the amendment made by that section is effective Oct. 10, 1978.
Chapter effective 180 days after June 27, 1952, see section 407 of act June 27, 1952, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
Section 101(b) of Pub. L. 103–416 provided that: “Any provision of law (including section 301(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1401(b)] (as in effect before October 10, 1978), and the provisos of section 201(g) of the Nationality Act of 1940 [former 8 U.S.C. 601(g)]) that provided for a person's loss of citizenship or nationality if the person failed to come to, or reside or be physically present in, the United States shall not apply in the case of a person claiming United States citizenship based on such person's descent from an individual described in section 301(h) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (as added by subsection (a)).”
Section 101(c) of Pub. L. 103–416 provided that:
“(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the immigration and nationality laws of the United States shall be applied (to persons born before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 25, 1994]) as though the amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section], and subsection (b) [enacting provisions set out above], had been in effect as of the date of their birth, except that the retroactive application of the amendment and that subsection shall not affect the validity of citizenship of anyone who has obtained citizenship under section 1993 of the Revised Statutes [former 8 U.S.C. 6] (as in effect before the enactment of the Act of May 24, 1934 (48 Stat. 797)).
“(2) The retroactive application of the amendment made by subsection (a), and subsection (b), shall not confer citizenship on, or affect the validity of any denaturalization, deportation, or exclusion action against, any person who is or was excludable from the United States under section 212(a)(3)(E) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(3)(E)) (or predecessor provision) or who was excluded from, or who would not have been eligible for admission to, the United States under the Displaced Persons Act of 1948 [former 50 U.S.C. App. 1951 et seq.] or under section 14 of the Refugee Relief Act of 1953 [former 50 U.S.C. App. 1971l].”
Section 101(d) of Pub. L. 103–416, as amended by Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title VI, §671(b)(1), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–721, provided that: “This section [amending this section and enacting provisions set out above], the amendments made by this section, and any retroactive application of such amendments shall not effect the application of any provision of law relating to residence or physical presence in the United States for purposes of transmitting United States citizenship to any person whose claim is based on the amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] or through whom such a claim is derived.”
Alaska Statehood provisions as not conferring, terminating, or restoring United States nationality, see section 21 of Pub. L. 85–508, July 7, 1958, 72 Stat. 339, set out as a note preceding former section 21 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.
Section 1401(g) of this title shall be considered to have been and to be applicable to a child born outside of the United States and its outlying possessions after January 12, 1941, and before December 24, 1952, of parents one of whom is a citizen of the United States who has served in the Armed Forces of the United States after December 31, 1946, and before December 24, 1952, and whose case does not come within the provisions of section 201(g) or (i) of the Nationality Act of 1940.
(Mar. 16, 1956, ch. 85, 70 Stat. 50; Pub. L. 97–116, §18(u)(2), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1621.)
Section 201(g) and (i) of the Nationality Act of 1940, referred to in text, which were repealed by act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §403(a)(42), 66 Stat. 280, eff. Dec. 24, 1952, provided as follows:
“The following shall be nationals and citizens of the United States at birth:
* * * * *
“(g) A person born outside the United States and its outlying possessions of parents one of whom is a citizen of the United States who, prior to the birth of such person, has had ten years’ residence in the United States or one of its outlying possessions, at least five of which were after attaining the age of sixteen years, the other being an alien: Provided, That, in order to retain such citizenship, the child must reside in the United States or its outlying possessions for a period or periods totaling five years between the ages of thirteen and twenty-one years: Provided further, That, if the child has not taken up a residence in the United States or its outlying possessions by the time he reaches the age of sixteen years, or if he resides abroad for such a time that it becomes impossible for him to complete the five years’ residence in the United States or its outlying possessions before reaching the age of twenty-one years, his American citizenship shall thereupon cease.
“The preceding provisos shall not apply to a child born abroad whose American parent is at the time of the child's birth residing abroad solely or principally in the employment of the Government of the United States or a bona fide American, educational, scientific, philanthropic, religious, commercial, or financial organization, having its principal office or place of business in the United States, or an international agency of an official character in which the United States participates, for which he receives a substantial compensation:
* * * * *
“(i) A person born outside the United States and its outlying possessions of parents one of whom is a citizen of the United States who has served or shall serve honorably in the armed forces of the United States after December 7, 1941, and before the date of the termination of hostilities in the present war as proclaimed by the President or determined by a joint resolution by the Congress and who, prior to the birth of such person, has had ten years’ residence in the United States or one of its outlying possessions, at least five of which were after attaining the age of twelve years, the other being an alien: Provided, That in order to retain such citizenship, the child must reside in the United States or its outlying possessions for a period or periods totaling five years between the ages of thirteen and twenty-one years: Provided further, That, if the child has not taken up a residence in the United States or its outlying possessions by the time he reaches the age of sixteen years, or if he resides abroad for such a time that it becomes impossible for him to complete the five years’ residence in the United States or its outlying possessions before reaching the age of twenty-one years, his American citizenship shall thereupon cease.”
Section was not enacted as part of the Immigration and Nationality Act which comprises this chapter.
1981—Pub. L. 97–116 substituted “Section 1401(g)” for “Section 1401(a)(7)”.
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–116 effective Dec. 29, 1981, see section 21(a) of Pub. L. 97–116, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
Section, Pub. L. 85–316, §16, Sept. 11, 1957, 71 Stat. 644, provided that absence from the United States of less than twelve months would not break the continuity of presence in the administration of section 1401(b) of this title. See section 1401(b) of this title.
All persons born in Puerto Rico on or after April 11, 1899, and prior to January 13, 1941, subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, residing on January 13, 1941, in Puerto Rico or other territory over which the United States exercises rights of sovereignty and not citizens of the United States under any other Act, are declared to be citizens of the United States as of January 13, 1941. All persons born in Puerto Rico on or after January 13, 1941, and subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, are citizens of the United States at birth.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 1, §302, 66 Stat. 236.)
(a) Any person born in the Canal Zone on or after February 26, 1904, and whether before or after the effective date of this chapter, whose father or mother or both at the time of the birth of such person was or is a citizen of the United States, is declared to be a citizen of the United States.
(b) Any person born in the Republic of Panama on or after February 26, 1904, and whether before or after the effective date of this chapter, whose father or mother or both at the time of the birth of such person was or is a citizen of the United States employed by the Government of the United States or by the Panama Railroad Company, or its successor in title, is declared to be a citizen of the United States.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 1, §303, 66 Stat. 236.)
For definition of Canal Zone, referred to in text, see section 3602(b) of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse.
The effective date of this chapter, referred to in text, is the 180th day immediately following June 27, 1952. See section 407 of act June 27, 1952, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1101 of this title.
Panama Railroad Company redesignated Panama Canal Company by act Sept. 26, 1950, ch. 1049, §2(a)(2), 64 Stat. 1038. References to Panama Canal Company in laws of the United States are deemed to refer to Panama Canal Commission pursuant to section 3602(b)(5) of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse.
A person born in Alaska on or after March 30, 1867, except a noncitizen Indian, is a citizen of the United States at birth. A noncitizen Indian born in Alaska on or after March 30, 1867, and prior to June 2, 1924, is declared to be a citizen of the United States as of June 2, 1924. An Indian born in Alaska on or after June 2, 1924, is a citizen of the United States at birth.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 1, §304, 66 Stat. 237.)
Alaska Statehood provisions as not repealing, amending, or modifying the provisions of this section, see section 24 of Pub. L. 85–508, July 7, 1958, 72 Stat. 339, set out as a note preceding former section 21 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.
A person born in Hawaii on or after August 12, 1898, and before April 30, 1900, is declared to be a citizen of the United States as of April 30, 1900. A person born in Hawaii on or after April 30, 1900, is a citizen of the United States at birth. A person who was a citizen of the Republic of Hawaii on August 12, 1898, is declared to be a citizen of the United States as of April 30, 1900.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 1, §305, 66 Stat. 237.)
Hawaii Statehood provisions as not repealing, amending, or modifying the provisions of this section, see section 20 of Pub. L. 86–3, Mar. 18, 1959, 73 Stat. 13, set out as a note at the beginning of chapter 3 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.
(a) The following persons and their children born subsequent to January 17, 1917, and prior to February 25,1927, are declared to be citizens of the United States as of February 25, 1927:
(1) All former Danish citizens who, on January 17, 1917, resided in the Virgin Islands of the United States, and were residing in those islands or in the United States or Puerto Rico on February 25, 1927, and who did not make the declaration required to preserve their Danish citizenship by article 6 of the treaty entered into on August 4, 1916, between the United States and Denmark, or who, having made such a declaration have heretofore renounced or may hereafter renounce it by a declaration before a court of record;
(2) All natives of the Virgin Islands of the United States who, on January 17, 1917, resided in those islands, and were residing in those islands or in the United States or Puerto Rico on February 25, 1927, and who were not on February 25, 1927, citizens or subjects of any foreign country;
(3) All natives of the Virgin Islands of the United States who, on January 17, 1917, resided in the United States, and were residing in those islands on February 25, 1927, and who were not on February 25, 1927, citizens or subjects of any foreign country; and
(4) All natives of the Virgin Islands of the United States who, on June 28, 1932, were residing in continental United States, the Virgin Islands of the United States, Puerto Rico, the Canal Zone, or any other insular possession or territory of the United States, and who, on June 28, 1932, were not citizens or subjects of any foreign country, regardless of their place of residence on January 17, 1917.
(b) All persons born in the Virgin Islands of the United States on or after January 17, 1917, and prior to February 25, 1927, and subject to the jurisdiction of the United States are declared to be citizens of the United States as of February 25, 1927; and all persons born in those islands on or after February 25, 1927, and subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, are declared to be citizens of the United States at birth.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 1, §306, 66 Stat. 237.)
(a) The following persons, and their children born after April 11, 1899, are declared to be citizens of the United States as of August 1, 1950, if they were residing on August 1, 1950, on the island of Guam or other territory over which the United States exercises rights of sovereignty:
(1) All inhabitants of the island of Guam on April 11, 1899, including those temporarily absent from the island on that date, who were Spanish subjects, who after that date continued to reside in Guam or other territory over which the United States exercises sovereignty, and who have taken no affirmative steps to preserve or acquire foreign nationality; and
(2) All persons born in the island of Guam who resided in Guam on April 11, 1899, including those temporarily absent from the island on that date, who after that date continued to reside in Guam or other territory over which the United States exercises sovereignty, and who have taken no affirmative steps to preserve or acquire foreign nationality.
(b) All persons born in the island of Guam on or after April 11, 1899 (whether before or after August 1, 1950) subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, are declared to be citizens of the United States: Provided, That in the case of any person born before August 1, 1950, he has taken no affirmative steps to preserve or acquire foreign nationality.
(c) Any person hereinbefore described who is a citizen or national of a country other than the United States and desires to retain his present political status shall have made, prior to August 1, 1952, a declaration under oath of such desire, said declaration to be in form and executed in the manner prescribed by regulations. From and after the making of such a declaration any such person shall be held not to be a national of the United States by virtue of this chapter.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 1, §307, 66 Stat. 237.)
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (c), was in the original, “this Act”, meaning act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, known as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.
Unless otherwise provided in section 1401 of this title, the following shall be nationals, but not citizens, of the United States at birth:
(1) A person born in an outlying possession of the United States on or after the date of formal acquisition of such possession;
(2) A person born outside the United States and its outlying possessions of parents both of whom are nationals, but not citizens, of the United States, and have had a residence in the United States, or one of its outlying possessions prior to the birth of such person;
(3) A person of unknown parentage found in an outlying possession of the United States while under the age of five years, until shown, prior to his attaining the age of twenty-one years, not to have been born in such outlying possession; and
(4) A person born outside the United States and its outlying possessions of parents one of whom is an alien, and the other a national, but not a citizen, of the United States who, prior to the birth of such person, was physically present in the United States or its outlying possessions for a period or periods totaling not less than seven years in any continuous period of ten years—
(A) during which the national parent was not outside the United States or its outlying possessions for a continuous period of more than one year, and
(B) at least five years of which were after attaining the age of fourteen years.
The proviso of section 1401(g) of this title shall apply to the national parent under this paragraph in the same manner as it applies to the citizen parent under that section.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 1, §308, 66 Stat. 238; Pub. L. 99–396, §15(a), Aug. 27, 1986, 100 Stat. 842; Pub. L. 100–525, §3(2), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2614.)
1988—Par. (4). Pub. L. 100–525 amended Pub. L. 99–396. See 1986 Amendment note below.
1986—Par. (4). Pub. L. 99–396, as amended by Pub. L. 100–525, added par. (4).
Section 3 of Pub. L. 100–525 provided that the amendment made by that section is effective as if included in the enactment of Pub. L. 99–396.
Section 15(b) of Pub. L. 99–396 provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to persons born before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 27, 1986]. In the case of a person born before the date of the enactment of this Act—
“(1) the status of a national of the United States shall not be considered to be conferred upon the person until the date the person establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary of State that the person meets the requirements of section 308(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [par. (4) of this section], and
“(2) the person shall not be eligible to vote in any general election in American Samoa earlier than January 1, 1987.”
(a) The provisions of paragraphs (c), (d), (e), and (g) of section 1401 of this title, and of paragraph (2) of section 1408 of this title, shall apply as of the date of birth to a person born out of wedlock if—
(1) a blood relationship between the person and the father is established by clear and convincing evidence,
(2) the father had the nationality of the United States at the time of the person's birth,
(3) the father (unless deceased) has agreed in writing to provide financial support for the person until the person reaches the age of 18 years, and
(4) while the person is under the age of 18 years—
(A) the person is legitimated under the law of the person's residence or domicile,
(B) the father acknowledges paternity of the person in writing under oath, or
(C) the paternity of the person is established by adjudication of a competent court.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in section 405 of this Act, the provisions of section 1401(g) of this title shall apply to a child born out of wedlock on or after January 13, 1941, and before December 24, 1952, as of the date of birth, if the paternity of such child is established at any time while such child is under the age of twenty-one years by legitimation.
(c) Notwithstanding the provision of subsection (a) of this section, a person born, after December 23, 1952, outside the United States and out of wedlock shall be held to have acquired at birth the nationality status of his mother, if the mother had the nationality of the United States at the time of such person's birth, and if the mother had previously been physically present in the United States or one of its outlying possessions for a continuous period of one year.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 1, §309, 66 Stat. 238; Pub. L. 97–116, §18(l), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1620; Pub. L. 99–653, §13, Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3657; Pub. L. 100–525, §§8(k), 9(r), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2617, 2621.)
Section 405 of this Act, referred to in subsec. (b), is section 405 of act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, 66 Stat. 280, which is set out as a Savings Clause note under section 1101 of this title.
1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–525, §8(k), amended Pub. L. 99–653. See 1986 Amendment note below.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–525, §9(r)(1), substituted “before December 24, 1952” for “prior to the effective date of this chapter” and “at any time” for “before or after the effective date of this chapter and”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–525, §9(r)(2), substituted “after December 23, 1952” for “on or after the effective date of this chapter”.
1986—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–653, as amended by Pub. L. 100–525, §8(k), amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: “The provisions of paragraphs (c), (d), (e), and (g) of section 1401 of this title, and of paragraph (2) of section 1408, of this title shall apply as of the date of birth to a child born out of wedlock on or after the effective date of this chapter, if the paternity of such child is established while such child is under the age of twenty-one years by legitimation.”
1981—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–116, §18(l)(1), substituted “(c), (d), (e), and (g) of section 1401” for “(3) to (5) and (7) of section 1401(a)”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–116, §18(l)(2), substituted “section 1401(g)” for “section 1401(a)(7)”.
Amendment by section 8(k) of Pub. L. 100–525 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments of 1986, Pub. L. 99–653, see section 309(b)(15) of Pub. L. 102–232, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 1988 Amendments note under section 1101 of this title.
Section 23(e) of Pub. L. 99–653, as added by Pub. L. 100–525, §8(r), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2619, provided that:
“(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2)(B), the new section 309(a) [8 U.S.C. 1409(a)] (as defined in paragraph (4)(A)) shall apply to persons who have not attained 18 years of age as of the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 14, 1986].
“(2) The old section 309(a) shall apply—
“(A) to any individual who has attained 18 years of age as of the date of the enactment of this Act, and
“(B) any individual with respect to whom paternity was established by legitimation before such date.
“(3) An individual who is at least 15 years of age, but under 18 years of age, as of the date of the enactment of this Act, may elect to have the old section 309(a) apply to the individual instead of the new section 309(a).
“(4) In this subsection:
“(A) The term ‘new section 309(a)’ means section 309(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1409(a)], as amended by section 13 of this Act [section 13 of Pub. L. 99–653] and as in effect after the date of the enactment of this Act.
“(B) The term ‘old section 309(a)’ means section 309(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as in effect before the date of the enactment of this Act.”
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–116 effective Dec. 29, 1981, see section 21(a) of Pub. L. 97–116, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
The sole authority to naturalize persons as citizens of the United States is conferred upon the Attorney General.
Subject to section 1448(c) of this title—
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), each applicant for naturalization may choose to have the oath of allegiance under section 1448(a) of this title administered by the Attorney General or by an eligible court described in paragraph (5). Each such eligible court shall have authority to administer such oath of allegiance to persons residing within the jurisdiction of the court.
An eligible court described in paragraph (5) that wishes to have exclusive authority to administer the oath of allegiance under section 1448(a) of this title to persons residing within the jurisdiction of the court during the period described in paragraph (3)(A)(i) shall notify the Attorney General of such wish and, subject to this subsection, shall have such exclusive authority with respect to such persons during such period.
In the case of a court exercising authority under paragraph (1), in accordance with procedures established by the Attorney General—
(i) the applicant for naturalization shall notify the Attorney General of the intent to be naturalized before the court, and
(ii) the Attorney General—
(I) shall forward to the court (not later than 10 days after the date of approval of an application for naturalization in the case of a court which has provided notice under paragraph (1)(B)) such information as may be necessary to administer the oath of allegiance under section 1448(a) of this title, and
(II) shall promptly forward to the court a certificate of naturalization (prepared by the Attorney General).
If an eligible court has provided notice under paragraph (1)(B), the Attorney General shall inform each person (residing within the jurisdiction of the court), at the time of the approval of the person's application for naturalization, of—
(i) the court's exclusive authority to administer the oath of allegiance under section 1448(a) of this title to such a person during the period specified in paragraph (3)(A)(i), and
(ii) the date or dates (if any) under paragraph (3)(B) on which the court has scheduled oath administration ceremonies.
If more than one eligible court in an area has provided notice under paragraph (1)(B), the Attorney General shall permit the person, at the time of the approval, to choose the court to which the information will be forwarded for administration of the oath of allegiance under this section.
The exclusive authority of a court to administer the oath of allegiance under paragraph (1)(B) shall apply with respect to a person—
(i) only during the 45-day period beginning on the date on which the Attorney General certifies to the court that an applicant is eligible for naturalization, and
(ii) only if the court has notified the Attorney General, prior to the date of certification of eligibility, of the day or days (during such 45-day period) on which the court has scheduled oath administration ceremonies.
Subject to subparagraph (C), the Attorney General shall not administer the oath of allegiance to a person under subsection (a) of this section during the period in which exclusive authority to administer the oath of allegiance may be exercised by an eligible court under this subsection with respect to that person.
Notwithstanding the previous provisions of this paragraph, a court may waive exclusive authority to administer the oath of allegiance under section 1448(a) of this title to a person under this subsection if the Attorney General has not provided the court with the certification described in subparagraph (A)(i) within a reasonable time before the date scheduled by the court for oath administration ceremonies. Upon notification of a court's waiver of jurisdiction, the Attorney General shall promptly notify the applicant.
The Attorney General shall provide for the issuance of certificates of naturalization at the time of administration of the oath of allegiance.
For purposes of this section, the term “eligible court” means—
(A) a district court of the United States in any State, or
(B) any court of record in any State having a seal, a clerk, and jurisdiction in actions in law or equity, or law and equity, in which the amount in controversy is unlimited.
A person whose application for naturalization under this subchapter is denied, after a hearing before an immigration officer under section 1447(a) of this title, may seek review of such denial before the United States district court for the district in which such person resides in accordance with chapter 7 of title 5. Such review shall be de novo, and the court shall make its own findings of fact and conclusions of law and shall, at the request of the petitioner, conduct a hearing de novo on the application.
A person may only be naturalized as a citizen of the United States in the manner and under the conditions prescribed in this subchapter and not otherwise.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §310, 66 Stat. 239; Pub. L. 85–508, §25, July 7, 1958, 72 Stat. 351; Pub. L. 86–3, §20(c), Mar. 18, 1959, 73 Stat. 13; Pub. L. 87–301, §17, Sept. 26, 1961, 75 Stat. 656; Pub. L. 100–525, §9(s), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2621; Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §401(a), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5038; Pub. L. 102–232, title I, §102(a), title III, §305(a), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1734, 1749; Pub. L. 103–416, title II, §219(u), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4318.)
1994—Subsec. (b)(5)(A). Pub. L. 103–416 substituted “district court” for “District Court”.
1991—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–232, §102(a), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows: “An applicant for naturalization may choose to have the oath of allegiance under section 1448(a) of this title administered by the Attorney General or by any district court of the United States for any State or by any court of record in any State having a seal, a clerk, and jurisdiction in actions in law or equity, or law and equity, in which the amount in controversy is unlimited. The jurisdiction of all courts in this subsection specified to administer the oath of allegiance shall extend only to persons resident within the respective jurisdiction of such courts.”
Pub. L. 102–232, §305(a), substituted “district court” for “District Court”.
1990—Pub. L. 101–649 amended section generally, substituting provisions authorizing Attorney General to naturalize persons as citizens, for provisions granting certain courts exclusive jurisdiction to naturalize.
1988—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 100–525 struck out subsec. (e) which read as follows: “Notwithstanding the provisions of section 405(a), any petition for naturalization filed on or after September 26, 1961, shall be heard and determined in accordance with the requirements of this subchapter.”
1961—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 87–301 added subsec. (e).
1959—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 86–3 struck out provisions which conferred jurisdiction on District Court for Territory of Hawaii. See section 91 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure, and notes thereunder.
1958—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 85–508 struck out provisions which conferred jurisdiction on District Court for Territory of Alaska. See section 81A of Title 28, which established a United States District Court for the State of Alaska.
Amendment by Pub. L. 103–416 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649, see section 219(dd) of Pub. L. 103–416, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
Section 102(c) of title I of Pub. L. 102–232 provided that: “The amendments made by this title [amending this section and sections 1448, 1450, and 1455 of this title] shall take effect 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 1991].”
Amendment by section 305(a) of Pub. L. 102–232 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649, see section 310(1) of Pub. L. 102–232, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
Section 408 of title IV of Pub. L. 101–649, as amended by Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §305(n), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1750, provided that:
“(a)
“(1)
“(2)
“(A)
“(B)
“(3)
“(b)
“(c)
“(d)
“(2) As to all such prosecutions, suits, actions, proceedings, statutes, conditions, rights, acts, things, liabilities, obligations, or matters, the provisions of law repealed by this title are, unless otherwise specifically provided, hereby continued in force and effect.
“(e)
“(f)
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
Alaska was admitted into the Union on Jan. 3, 1959, on issuance of Proc. No. 3269, Jan. 3, 1959, 24 F.R. 81, 73 Stat. c16, and Hawaii was admitted into the Union on Aug. 21, 1959, on issuance of Proc. No. 3309, Aug. 21, 1959, 24 F.R. 6868, 73 Stat. c74. For Alaska Statehood Law, see Pub. L. 85–508, July 7, 1958, 72 Stat. 339, set out as a note preceding former section 21 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions. For Hawaii Statehood Law, see Pub. L. 86–3, Mar. 18, 1959, 73 Stat. 4, set out as a note preceding former section 491 of Title 48.
The right of a person to become a naturalized citizen of the United States shall not be denied or abridged because of race or sex or because such person is married.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §311, 66 Stat. 239; Pub. L. 100–525, §9(t), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2621.)
1988—Pub. L. 100–525 struck out at end “Notwithstanding section 405(b) of this Act, this section shall apply to any person whose petition for naturalization shall hereafter be filed, or shall have been pending on the effective date of this chapter.”
(a) No person except as otherwise provided in this subchapter shall hereafter be naturalized as a citizen of the United States upon his own application who cannot demonstrate—
(1) an understanding of the English language, including an ability to read, write, and speak words in ordinary usage in the English language: Provided, That the requirements of this paragraph relating to ability to read and write shall be met if the applicant can read or write simple words and phrases to the end that a reasonable test of his literacy shall be made and that no extraordinary or unreasonable condition shall be imposed upon the applicant; and
(2) a knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history, and of the principles and form of government, of the United States.
(b)(1) The requirements of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to any person who is unable because of physical or developmental disability or mental impairment to comply therewith.
(2) The requirement of subsection (a)(1) of this section shall not apply to any person who, on the date of the filing of the person's application for naturalization as provided in section 1445 of this title, either—
(A) is over fifty years of age and has been living in the United States for periods totaling at least twenty years subsequent to a lawful admission for permanent residence, or
(B) is over fifty-five years of age and has been living in the United States for periods totaling at least fifteen years subsequent to a lawful admission for permanent residence.
(3) The Attorney General, pursuant to regulations, shall provide for special consideration, as determined by the Attorney General, concerning the requirement of subsection (a)(2) of this section with respect to any person who, on the date of the filing of the person's application for naturalization as provided in section 1445 of this title, is over sixty-five years of age and has been living in the United States for periods totaling at least twenty years subsequent to a lawful admission for permanent residence.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §312, 66 Stat. 239; Pub. L. 95–579, §3, Nov. 2, 1978, 92 Stat. 2474; Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §403, Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5039; Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §305(m)(2), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1750; Pub. L. 103–416, title I, §108(a), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4309.)
1994—Pub. L. 103–416 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), struck out “this requirement shall not apply to any person physically unable to comply therewith, if otherwise qualified to be naturalized, or to any person who, on the date of the filing of his application for naturalization as provided in section 1445 of this title, either (A) is over 50 years of age and has been living in the United States for periods totaling at least 20 years subsequent to a lawful admission for permanent residence, or (B) is over 55 years of age and has been living in the United States for periods totaling at least 15 years subsequent to a lawful admission for permanent residence: Provided further, That”, after “Provided, That”, substituted “this paragraph” for “this section” after “requirements of”, and added subsec. (b).
1991—Pub. L. 102–232 substituted “application” for “petition” in introductory provisions and par. (1).
1990—Par. (1). Pub. L. 101–649 substituted “either (A) is over 50 years of age and has been living in the United States for periods totaling at least 20 years subsequent to a lawful admission for permanent residence, or (B) is over 55 years of age and has been living in the United States for periods totaling at least 15 years subsequent to a lawful admission for permanent residence” for “is over fifty years of age and has been living in the United States for periods totaling at least twenty years subsequent to a lawful admission for permanent residence”.
1978—Par. (1). Pub. L. 95–579 substituted “person who, on the date of the filing of his petition for naturalization as provided in section 1445 of this title, is over fifty years of age and has been living in the United States for periods totaling at least twenty years subsequent to a lawful admission for permanent residence” for “person who, on the effective date of this chapter, is over fifty years of age and has been living in the United States for periods totaling at least twenty years”.
Section 108(c) of Pub. L. 103–416 provided that: “The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 25, 1994] and shall apply to applications for naturalization filed on or after such date and to such applications pending on such date.”
Section 305(m) of Pub. L. 102–232 provided that the amendment made by that section is effective as if included in section 407(d) of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649.
Section 108(d) of Pub. L. 103–416 provided that: “Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 25, 1994], the Attorney General shall promulgate regulations to carry out section 312(b)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1423(b)(3)] (as amended by subsection (a)).”
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
Pub. L. 106–207, May 26, 2000, 114 Stat. 316, as amended by Pub. L. 106–415, Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1810; Pub. L. 107–77, title I, §112, Nov. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 765, provided that:
“This Act may be cited as the ‘Hmong Veterans’ Naturalization Act of 2000’.
“The requirement of paragraph (1) of section 312(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1423(a)(1)) shall not apply to the naturalization of any person—
“(1) who—
“(A) was admitted into the United States as a refugee from Laos pursuant to section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1157); and
“(B) served with a special guerrilla unit, or irregular forces, operating from a base in Laos in support of the United States military at any time during the period beginning February 28, 1961, and ending September 18, 1978;
“(2) who—
“(A) satisfies the requirement of paragraph (1)(A); and
“(B) was the spouse of a person described in paragraph (1) on the day on which such described person applied for admission into the United States as a refugee; or
“(3) who—
“(A) satisfies the requirement of paragraph (1)(A); and
“(B) is the surviving spouse of a person described in paragraph (1)(B) which described person was killed or died in Laos, Thailand, or Vietnam.
“The Attorney General shall provide for special consideration, as determined by the Attorney General, concerning the requirement of paragraph (2) of section 312(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1423(a)(2)) with respect to the naturalization of any person described in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of section 2 of this Act.
“A person seeking an exemption under section 2 or special consideration under section 3 shall submit to the Attorney General documentation of their, or their spouse's, service with a special guerrilla unit, or irregular forces, described in section 2(1)(B), in the form of—
“(1) original documents;
“(2) an affidavit of the serving person's superior officer;
“(3) two affidavits from other individuals who also were serving with such a special guerrilla unit, or irregular forces, and who personally knew of the person's service; or
“(4) other appropriate proof.
“(a) In determining a person's eligibility for an exemption under section 2 or special consideration under section 3, the Attorney General—
“(1) shall review the refugee processing documentation for the person, or, in an appropriate case, for the person and the person's spouse, to verify that the requirements of section 2 relating to refugee applications and admissions have been satisfied;
“(2) shall consider the documentation submitted by the person under section 4;
“(3) may request an advisory opinion from the Secretary of Defense regarding the person's, or their spouse's, service in a special guerrilla unit, or irregular forces, described in section 2(1)(B); and
“(4) may consider any documentation provided by organizations maintaining records with respect to Hmong veterans or their families.
“(b) The Secretary of Defense shall provide any opinion requested under paragraph (3) to the extent practicable, and the Attorney General shall take into account any opinion that the Secretary of Defense is able to provide.
“This Act shall apply to a person only if the person's application for naturalization is filed, as provided in section 334 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1445), with appropriate fees not later than 36 months after the date of the enactment of this Act [May 26, 2000]. In the case of a person described in section 2(3), the application referred to in the preceding sentence, and appropriate fees, shall be filed not later than 36 months after the date of the enactment of this sentence [Nov. 1, 2000].
“Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the total number of aliens who may be granted an exemption under section 2 or special consideration under section 3, or both, may not exceed 45,000.”
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 405(b) of this Act, no person shall hereafter be naturalized as a citizen of the United States—
(1) who advocates or teaches, or who is a member of or affiliated with any organization that advocates or teaches, opposition to all organized government; or
(2) who is a member of or affiliated with (A) the Communist Party of the United States; (B) any other totalitarian party of the United States; (C) the Communist Political Association; (D) the Communist or other totalitarian party of any State of the United States, of any foreign state, or of any political or geographical subdivision of any foreign state; (E) any section, subsidiary, branch, affiliate, or subdivision of any such association or party; or (F) the direct predecessors or successors of any such association or party, regardless of what name such group or organization may have used, may now bear, or may hereafter adopt, unless such alien establishes that he did not have knowledge or reason to believe at the time he became a member of or affiliated with such an organization (and did not thereafter and prior to the date upon which such organization was so registered or so required to be registered have such knowledge or reason to believe) that such organization was a Communist-front organization; or
(3) who, although not within any of the other provisions of this section, advocates the economic, international, and governmental doctrines of world communism or the establishment in the United States of a totalitarian dictatorship, or who is a member of or affiliated with any organization that advocates the economic, international, and governmental doctrines of world communism or the establishment in the United States of a totalitarian dictatorship, either through its own utterances or through any written or printed publications issued or published by or with the permission or consent of or under authority of such organization or paid for by the funds of such organization; or
(4) who advocates or teaches or who is a member of or affiliated with any organization that advocates or teaches (A) the overthrow by force or violence or other unconstitutional means of the Government of the United States or of all forms of law; or (B) the duty, necessity, or propriety of the unlawful assaulting or killing of any officer or officers (either of specific individuals or of officers generally) of the Government of the United States or of any other organized government because of his or their official character; or (C) the unlawful damage, injury, or destruction of property; or (D) sabotage; or
(5) who writes or publishes or causes to be written or published, or who knowingly circulates, distributes, prints, or displays, or knowingly causes to be circulated, distributed, printed, published, or displayed, or who knowingly has in his possession for the purpose of circulation, publication, distribution, or display, any written or printed matter, advocating or teaching opposition to all organized government, or advocating (A) the overthrow by force, violence or other unconstitutional means of the Government of the United States or of all forms of law; or (B) the duty, necessity, or propriety of the unlawful assaulting or killing of any officer or officers (either of specific individuals or of officers generally) of the Government of the United States or of any other organized government, because of his or their official character; or (C) the unlawful damage, injury, or destruction of property; or (D) sabotage; or (E) the economic, international, and governmental doctrines of world communism or the establishment in the United States of a totalitarian dictatorship; or
(6) who is a member of or affiliated with any organization that writes, circulates, distributes, prints, publishes, or displays, or causes to be written, circulated, distributed, printed, published, or displayed, or that has in its possession for the purpose of circulation, distribution, publication, issue, or display, any written or printed matter of the character described in subparagraph (5) of this subsection.
(b) The provisions of this section or of any other section of this chapter shall not be construed as declaring that any of the organizations referred to in this section or in any other section of this chapter do not advocate the overthrow of the Government of the United States by force, violence, or other unconstitutional means.
(c) The provisions of this section shall be applicable to any applicant for naturalization who at any time within a period of ten years immediately preceding the filing of the application for naturalization or after such filing and before taking the final oath of citizenship is, or has been found to be within any of the classes enumerated within this section, notwithstanding that at the time the application is filed he may not be included within such classes.
(d) Any person who is within any of the classes described in subsection (a) of this section solely because of past membership in, or past affiliation with, a party or organization may be naturalized without regard to the provisions of subsection (c) of this section if such person establishes that such membership or affiliation is or was involuntary, or occurred and terminated prior to the attainment by such alien of the age of sixteen years, or that such membership or affiliation is or was by operation of law, or was for purposes of obtaining employment, food rations, or other essentials of living and where necessary for such purposes.
(e) A person may be naturalized under this subchapter without regard to the prohibitions in subsections (a)(2) and (c) of this section if the person—
(1) is otherwise eligible for naturalization;
(2) is within the class described in subsection (a)(2) of this section solely because of past membership in, or past affiliation with, a party or organization described in that subsection;
(3) does not fall within any other of the classes described in that subsection; and
(4) is determined by the Director of Central Intelligence, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense when Department of Defense activities are relevant to the determination, and with the concurrence of the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security, to have made a contribution to the national security or to the national intelligence mission of the United States.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §313, 66 Stat. 240; Pub. L. 100–525, §9(u), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2621; Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §407(c)(1), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5041; Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §309(b)(13), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1759; Pub. L. 103–416, title II, §219(v), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4318; Pub. L. 106–120, title III, §306, Dec. 3, 1999, 113 Stat. 1612; Pub. L. 108–177, title III, §373, Dec. 13, 2003, 117 Stat. 2628.)
Section 405(b) of this Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is section 405(b) of act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, 66 Stat. 280, which is set out as a Savings Clause note under section 1101 of this title.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original, “this Act”, meaning act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, known as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.
2003—Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 108–177 inserted “when Department of Defense activities are relevant to the determination” after “Secretary of Defense” and “and the Secretary of Homeland Security” after “Attorney General”.
1999—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 106–120 added subsec. (e).
1994—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 103–416 substituted “or” for “and” before “(F)”.
1991—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 102–232 inserted “and” before “(F)” and struck out “; (G) who, regardless of whether he is within any of the other provisions of this section, is a member of or affiliated with any Communist-action organization during the time it is registered or required to be registered under the provisions of section 786 of title 50; or (H) who, regardless of whether he is within any of the other provisions of this section, is a member of or affiliated with any Communist-front organization during the time it is registered or required to be registered under section 786 of title 50” after “may hereafter adopt”.
1990—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–649 substituted “application” for “petition” wherever appearing.
1988—Subsec. (a)(2)(D). Pub. L. 100–525 substituted “party of” for “party or”.
Reference to the Director of Central Intelligence or the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency in the Director's capacity as the head of the intelligence community deemed to be a reference to the Director of National Intelligence. Reference to the Director of Central Intelligence or the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency in the Director's capacity as the head of the Central Intelligence Agency deemed to be a reference to the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. See section 1081(a), (b) of Pub. L. 108–458, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 50, War and National Defense.
Section 219(v) of Pub. L. 103–416 provided that the amendment made by that section is effective Dec. 12, 1991.
Section effective 180 days after June 27, 1952, see section 407 of act June 27, 1952, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
A person who, at any time during which the United States has been or shall be at war, deserted or shall desert the military, air, or naval forces of the United States, or who, having been duly enrolled, departed, or shall depart from the jurisdiction of the district in which enrolled, or who, whether or not having been duly enrolled, went or shall go beyond the limits of the United States, with intent to avoid any draft into the military, air, or naval service, lawfully ordered, shall, upon conviction thereof by a court martial or a court of competent jurisdiction, be permanently ineligible to become a citizen of the United States; and such deserters and evaders shall be forever incapable of holding any office of trust or of profit under the United States, or of exercising any rights of citizens thereof.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §314, 66 Stat. 241.)
Notwithstanding the provisions of section 405(b) 1 but subject to subsection (c) of this section, any alien who applies or has applied for exemption or discharge from training or service in the Armed Forces or in the National Security Training Corps of the United States on the ground that he is an alien, and is or was relieved or discharged from such training or service on such ground, shall be permanently ineligible to become a citizen of the United States.
The records of the Selective Service System or of the Department of Defense shall be conclusive as to whether an alien was relieved or discharged from such liability for training or service because he was an alien.
An alien shall not be ineligible for citizenship under this section or otherwise because of an exemption from training or service in the Armed Forces of the United States pursuant to the exercise of rights under a treaty, if before the time of the exercise of such rights the alien served in the Armed Forces of a foreign country of which the alien was a national.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §315, 66 Stat. 242; Pub. L. 100–525, §9(v), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2621; Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §404, Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5039.)
Section 405(b), referred to in subsec. (a), is section 405(b) of act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, 66 Stat. 280, which is set out as a Savings Clause note under section 1101 of this title.
1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–649, §404(1), inserted “but subject to subsection (c) of this section” after “section 405(b)”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–649, §404(2), added subsec. (c).
1988—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–525 substituted “Department of Defense” for “National Military Establishment”.
Amendment by Pub. L. 101–649 applicable to exemptions from training or service obtained before, on, or after Nov. 29, 1990, see section 408(e) of Pub. L. 101–649, set out as a note under section 1421 of this title.
1 See References in Text note below.
No person, except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, shall be naturalized unless such applicant, (1) immediately preceding the date of filing his application for naturalization has resided continuously, after being lawfully admitted for permanent residence, within the United States for at least five years and during the five years immediately preceding the date of filing his application has been physically present therein for periods totaling at least half of that time, and who has resided within the State or within the district of the Service in the United States in which the applicant filed the application for at least three months, (2) has resided continuously within the United States from the date of the application up to the time of admission to citizenship, and (3) during all the periods referred to in this subsection has been and still is a person of good moral character, attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and well disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States.
Absence from the United States of more than six months but less than one year during the period for which continuous residence is required for admission to citizenship, immediately preceding the date of filing the application for naturalization, or during the period between the date of filing the application and the date of any hearing under section 1447(a) of this title, shall break the continuity of such residence, unless the applicant shall establish to the satisfaction of the Attorney General that he did not in fact abandon his residence in the United States during such period.
Absence from the United States for a continuous period of one year or more during the period for which continuous residence is required for admission to citizenship (whether preceding or subsequent to the filing of the application for naturalization) shall break the continuity of such residence, except that in the case of a person who has been physically present and residing in the United States, after being lawfully admitted for permanent residence, for an uninterrupted period of at least one year, and who thereafter is employed by or under contract with the Government of the United States or an American institution of research recognized as such by the Attorney General, or is employed by an American firm or corporation engaged in whole or in part in the development of foreign trade and commerce of the United States, or a subsidiary thereof more than 50 per centum of whose stock is owned by an American firm or corporation, or is employed by a public international organization of which the United States is a member by treaty or statute and by which the alien was not employed until after being lawfully admitted for permanent residence, no period of absence from the United States shall break the continuity of residence if—
(1) prior to the beginning of such period of employment (whether such period begins before or after his departure from the United States), but prior to the expiration of one year of continuous absence from the United States, the person has established to the satisfaction of the Attorney General that his absence from the United States for such period is to be on behalf of such Government, or for the purpose of carrying on scientific research on behalf of such institution, or to be engaged in the development of such foreign trade and commerce or whose residence abroad is necessary to the protection of the property rights in such countries in such firm or corporation, or to be employed by a public international organization of which the United States is a member by treaty or statute and by which the alien was not employed until after being lawfully admitted for permanent residence; and
(2) such person proves to the satisfaction of the Attorney General that his absence from the United States for such period has been for such purpose.
The spouse and dependent unmarried sons and daughters who are members of the household of a person who qualifies for the benefits of this subsection shall also be entitled to such benefits during the period for which they were residing abroad as dependent members of the household of the person.
The granting of the benefits of subsection (b) of this section shall not relieve the applicant from the requirement of physical presence within the United States for the period specified in subsection (a) of this section, except in the case of those persons who are employed by, or under contract with, the Government of the United States. In the case of a person employed by or under contract with Central Intelligence Agency, the requirement in subsection (b) of this section of an uninterrupted period of at least one year of physical presence in the United States may be complied with by such person at any time prior to filing an application for naturalization.
No finding by the Attorney General that the applicant is not deportable shall be accepted as conclusive evidence of good moral character.
In determining whether the applicant has sustained the burden of establishing good moral character and the other qualifications for citizenship specified in subsection (a) of this section, the Attorney General shall not be limited to the applicant's conduct during the five years preceding the filing of the application, but may take into consideration as a basis for such determination the applicant's conduct and acts at any time prior to that period.
(1) Whenever the Director of Central Intelligence, the Attorney General and the Commissioner of Immigration determine that an applicant otherwise eligible for naturalization has made an extraordinary contribution to the national security of the United States or to the conduct of United States intelligence activities, the applicant may be naturalized without regard to the residence and physical presence requirements of this section, or to the prohibitions of section 1424 of this title, and no residence within a particular State or district of the Service in the United States shall be required: Provided, That the applicant has continuously resided in the United States for at least one year prior to naturalization: Provided further, That the provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any alien described in clauses (i) through (v) of section 1158(b)(2)(A) of this title.
(2) An applicant for naturalization under this subsection may be administered the oath of allegiance under section 1448(a) of this title by any district court of the United States, without regard to the residence of the applicant. Proceedings under this subsection shall be conducted in a manner consistent with the protection of intelligence sources, methods and activities.
(3) The number of aliens naturalized pursuant to this subsection in any fiscal year shall not exceed five. The Director of Central Intelligence shall inform the Select Committee on Intelligence and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives within a reasonable time prior to the filing of each application under the provisions of this subsection.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §316, 66 Stat. 242; Pub. L. 97–116, §14, Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1619; Pub. L. 99–169, title VI, §601, Dec. 4, 1985, 99 Stat. 1007; Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §§402, 407(c)(2), (d)(1), (e)(1), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5038, 5041, 5046; Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title III, §308(g)(7)(F), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–624; Pub. L. 109–149, title V, §518, Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2882.)
2005—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 109–149, §518, temporarily added subsec. (g) reading as follows:
“(1) The continuous residency requirement under subsection (a) of this section may be reduced to 3 years for an applicant for naturalization if—
“(A) the applicant is the beneficiary of an approved petition for classification under section 1154(a)(1)(E) of this title;
“(B) the applicant has been approved for adjustment of status under section 1255(a) of this title; and
“(C) such reduction is necessary for the applicant to represent the United States at an international event.
“(2) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall adjudicate an application for naturalization under this section not later than 30 days after the submission of such application if the applicant—
“(A) requests such expedited adjudication in order to represent the United States at an international event; and
“(B) demonstrates that such expedited adjudication is related to such representation.
“(3) An applicant is ineligible for expedited adjudication under paragraph (2) if the Secretary of Homeland Security determines that such expedited adjudication poses a risk to national security. Such a determination by the Secretary shall not be subject to review.
“(4)(A) In addition to any other fee authorized by law, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall charge and collect a $1,000 premium processing fee from each applicant described in this subsection to offset the additional costs incurred to expedite the processing of applications under this subsection.
“(B) The fee collected under subparagraph (A) shall be deposited as offsetting collections in the Immigration Examinations Fee Account.” See Termination Date of 2005 Amendment note below.
1996—Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 104–208 substituted “clauses (i) through (v) of section 1158(b)(2)(A) of this title” for “subparagraphs (A) through (D) of section 1253(h)(2) of this title”.
1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(2), substituted references to applicant and application for references to petitioner and petition wherever appearing.
Pub. L. 101–649, §402, substituted “and who has resided within the State or within the district of the Service in the United States in which the applicant filed the application for at least three months” for “and who has resided within the State in which the petitioner filed the petition for at least six months” in cl. (1).
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(1)(A), (B), substituted “the Attorney General” for “the court” in first par. and subpar. (2) of second par., and “date of any hearing under section 1447(a) of this title” for “date of final hearing” in first par.
Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(2), substituted references to applicant and application for references to petitioner and petition wherever appearing.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(2), substituted references to applicant and application for references to petitioner and petition wherever appearing.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(2), substituted reference to applicant for reference to petitioner.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(1)(C), substituted “the Attorney General” for “the court”.
Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(2), substituted references to applicant, applicant's, and application for references to petitioner, petitioner's, and petition wherever appearing.
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(e)(1), redesignated subsec. (g) as (f) and struck out former subsec. (f) which read as follows: “Naturalization shall not be granted to a petitioner by a naturalization court while registration proceedings or proceedings to require registration against an organization of which the petitioner is a member or affiliate are pending under section 792 or 793 of title 50.”
Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(1)(D), substituted “within a particular State or district of the Service in the United States” for “within the jurisdiction of the court”.
Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(2), substituted references to applicant for references to petitioner wherever appearing.
Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(1)(E), amended first sentence generally. Prior to amendment, first sentence read as follows: “A petition for naturalization may be filed pursuant to this subsection in any district court of the United States, without regard to the residence of the petitioner.”
Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(2), substituted reference to application for reference to petition.
1985—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 99–169 added subsec. (g).
1981—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–116 inserted provision that the spouse and dependent unmarried sons and daughters who are members of the household of a person who qualifies for the benefits of this subsection also be entitled to such benefits during the period for which they were residing abroad as dependent members of the household of the person.
Reference to the Director of Central Intelligence or the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency in the Director's capacity as the head of the intelligence community deemed to be a reference to the Director of National Intelligence. Reference to the Director of Central Intelligence or the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency in the Director's capacity as the head of the Central Intelligence Agency deemed to be a reference to the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. See section 1081(a), (b) of Pub. L. 108–458, set out as a note under section 401 of Title 50, War and National Defense.
Pub. L. 109–149, title V, §518(b), Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2882, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] is repealed on January 1, 2006.”
Amendment by Pub. L. 104–208 effective, with certain transitional provisions, on the first day of the first month beginning more than 180 days after Sept. 30, 1996, see section 309 of Pub. L. 104–208, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–116 effective Dec. 29, 1981, see section 21(a) of Pub. L. 97–116, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
Pub. L. 104–293, title III, §305, Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3465, as amended by Pub. L. 106–120, title III, §307, Dec. 3, 1999, 113 Stat. 1612, provided that:
“(a)
“(b)
“(1) has resided continuously, after being lawfully admitted for permanent residence, within the United States for at least one year prior to naturalization; and
“(2) is not described in clauses (i) through (iv) of section 241(b)(3)(B) of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1231(b)(3)(B)].
“(c)
“(d)
“(1) the term ‘child’ means a child as defined in subparagraphs (A) through (E) of section 101(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(b)(1)], without regard to age or marital status; and
“(2) the term ‘spouse’ means the wife or husband of a deceased alien referred to in subsection (b) who was married to such alien during the time the alien participated in the conduct of United States intelligence activities.”
Any person who is authorized to perform the ministerial or priestly functions of a religious denomination having a bona fide organization within the United States, or any person who is engaged solely by a religious denomination or by an interdenominational mission organization having a bona fide organization within the United States as a missionary, brother, nun, or sister, who (1) has been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence, (2) has at any time thereafter and before filing an application for naturalization been physically present and residing within the United States for an uninterrupted period of at least one year, and (3) has heretofore been or may hereafter be absent temporarily from the United States in connection with or for the purpose of performing the ministerial or priestly functions of such religious denomination, or serving as a missionary, brother, nun, or sister, shall be considered as being physically present and residing in the United States for the purpose of naturalization within the meaning of section 1427(a) of this title, notwithstanding any such absence from the United States, if he shall in all other respects comply with the requirements of the naturalization law. Such person shall prove to the satisfaction of the Attorney General that his absence from the United States has been solely for the purpose of performing the ministerial or priestly functions of such religious denomination, or of serving as a missionary, brother, nun, or sister.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §317, 66 Stat. 243; Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §407(c)(3), (d)(2), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5041.)
1990—Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(2), struck out “and the naturalization court” after “Attorney General”.
Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(3), substituted “application” for “petition”.
Section effective 180 days after June 27, 1952, see section 407 of act June 27, 1952, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, no person shall be naturalized unless he has been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence in accordance with all applicable provisions of this chapter. The burden of proof shall be upon such person to show that he entered the United States lawfully, and the time, place, and manner of such entry into the United States, but in presenting such proof he shall be entitled to the production of his immigrant visa, if any, or of other entry document, if any, and of any other documents and records, not considered by the Attorney General to be confidential, pertaining to such entry, in the custody of the Service. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 405(b),1 and except as provided in sections 1439 and 1440 of this title no person shall be naturalized against whom there is outstanding a final finding of deportability pursuant to a warrant of arrest issued under the provisions of this chapter or any other Act; and no application for naturalization shall be considered by the Attorney General if there is pending against the applicant a removal proceeding pursuant to a warrant of arrest issued under the provisions of this chapter or any other Act: Provided, That the findings of the Attorney General in terminating removal proceedings or in canceling the removal of an alien pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, shall not be deemed binding in any way upon the Attorney General with respect to the question of whether such person has established his eligibility for naturalization as required by this subchapter.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §318, 66 Stat. 244; Pub. L. 90–633, §4, Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1344; Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §407(c)(4), (d)(3), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5041; Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title III, §308(e)(1)(O), (15), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–620, 3009–621.)
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original, “this Act”, meaning act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, known as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.
Section 405(b), referred to in text, is section 405(b) of act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, 66 Stat. 280, which is set out as a Savings Clause note under section 1101 of this title.
1996—Pub. L. 104–208 substituted “removal” for “deportation” wherever appearing and “canceling” for “suspending”.
1990—Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(3), in last sentence substituted “considered by the Attorney General” for “finally heard by a naturalization court” and “upon the Attorney General” for “upon the naturalization court”.
Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(4), substituted “application” for “petition” and “applicant” for “petitioner”.
1968—Pub. L. 90–633 substituted reference to exception provided in sections 1439 and 1440 of this title for reference to exception provided in sections 1438 and 1439 of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 104–208 effective, with certain transitional provisions, on the first day of the first month beginning more than 180 days after Sept. 30, 1996, see section 309 of Pub. L. 104–208, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
1 See References in Text note below.
(a) Any person whose spouse is a citizen of the United States, or any person who obtained status as a lawful permanent resident by reason of his or her status as a spouse or child of a United States citizen who battered him or her or subjected him or her to extreme cruelty, may be naturalized upon compliance with all the requirements of this subchapter except the provisions of paragraph (1) of section 1427(a) of this title if such person immediately preceding the date of filing his application for naturalization has resided continuously, after being lawfully admitted for permanent residence, within the United States for at least three years, and during the three years immediately preceding the date of filing his application has been living in marital union with the citizen spouse (except in the case of a person who has been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty by a United States citizen spouse or parent), who has been a United States citizen during all of such period, and has been physically present in the United States for periods totaling at least half of that time and has resided within the State or the district of the Service in the United States in which the applicant filed his application for at least three months.
(b) Any person, (1) whose spouse is (A) a citizen of the United States, (B) in the employment of the Government of the United States, or of an American institution of research recognized as such by the Attorney General, or of an American firm or corporation engaged in whole or in part in the development of foreign trade and commerce of the United States, or a subsidiary thereof, or of a public international organization in which the United States participates by treaty or statute, or is authorized to perform the ministerial or priestly functions of a religious denomination having a bona fide organization within the United States, or is engaged solely as a missionary by a religious denomination or by an interdenominational mission organization having a bona fide organization within the United States, and (C) regularly stationed abroad in such employment, and (2) who is in the United States at the time of naturalization, and (3) who declares before the Attorney General in good faith an intention to take up residence within the United States immediately upon the termination of such employment abroad of the citizen spouse, may be naturalized upon compliance with all the requirements of the naturalization laws, except that no prior residence or specified period of physical presence within the United States or within a State or a district of the Service in the United States or proof thereof shall be required.
(c) Any person who (1) is employed by a bona fide United States incorporated nonprofit organization which is principally engaged in conducting abroad through communications media the dissemination of information which significantly promotes United States interests abroad and which is recognized as such by the Attorney General, and (2) has been so employed continuously for a period of not less than five years after a lawful admission for permanent residence, and (3) who files his application for naturalization while so employed or within six months following the termination thereof, and (4) who is in the United States at the time of naturalization, and (5) who declares before the Attorney General in good faith an intention to take up residence within the United States immediately upon termination of such employment, may be naturalized upon compliance with all the requirements of this subchapter except that no prior residence or specified period of physical presence within the United States or any State or district of the Service in the United States, or proof thereof, shall be required.
(d) Any person who is the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a United States citizen, whose citizen spouse, parent, or child dies during a period of honorable service in an active duty status in the Armed Forces of the United States and who, in the case of a surviving spouse, was living in marital union with the citizen spouse at the time of his death, may be naturalized upon compliance with all the requirements of this subchapter except that no prior residence or specified physical presence within the United States, or within a State or a district of the Service in the United States shall be required. For purposes of this subsection, the terms “United States citizen” and “citizen spouse” include a person granted posthumous citizenship under section 1440–1 of this title.
(e)(1) In the case of a person lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States who is the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, is authorized to accompany such member and reside abroad with the member pursuant to the member's official orders, and is so accompanying and residing with the member in marital union, such residence and physical presence abroad shall be treated, for purposes of subsection (a) and section 1427(a) of this title, as residence and physical presence in—
(A) the United States; and
(B) any State or district of the Department of Homeland Security in the United States.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a spouse described in paragraph (1) shall be eligible for naturalization proceedings overseas pursuant to section 1443a of this title.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §319, 66 Stat. 244; Pub. L. 85–697, §2, Aug. 20, 1958, 72 Stat. 687; Pub. L. 90–215, §1(a), Dec. 18, 1967, 81 Stat. 661; Pub. L. 90–369, June 29, 1968, 82 Stat. 279; Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §407(b)(1), (c)(5), (d)(4), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5040, 5041; Pub. L. 106–386, div. B, title V, §1503(e), Oct. 28, 2000, 114 Stat. 1522; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title XVII, §1703(f)(1), (h), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1695, 1696; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title VI, §674(a), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 185.)
2008—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 110–181 added subsec. (e).
2003—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 108–136, §1703(h), inserted “, child, or parent” after “surviving spouse” and “, parent, or child” after “whose citizen spouse”, and substituted “who, in the case of a surviving spouse, was living” for “who was living”.
Pub. L. 108–136, §1703(f)(1), inserted at end “For purposes of this subsection, the terms ‘United States citizen’ and ‘citizen spouse’ include a person granted posthumous citizenship under section 1440–1 of this title.”
2000—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106–386 inserted “, or any person who obtained status as a lawful permanent resident by reason of his or her status as a spouse or child of a United States citizen who battered him or her or subjected him or her to extreme cruelty,” after “citizen of the United States” and “(except in the case of a person who has been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty by a United States citizen spouse or parent)” after “has been living in marital union with the citizen spouse”.
1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(5), substituted “application” for “petition” wherever appearing.
Pub. L. 101–649, §407(b)(1)(A), substituted “has resided within the State or the district of the Service in the United States in which the applicant filed his application for at least three months” for “has resided within the State in which he filed his petition for at least six months.”
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(4)(A), substituted “before the Attorney General” for “before the naturalization court” in cl. (3).
Pub. L. 101–649, §407(b)(1)(B), substituted “within a State or a district of the Service in the United States” for “within the jurisdiction of the naturalization court”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(4)(B), substituted “Attorney General” for “naturalization court” in cl. (5).
Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(5), substituted “application” for “petition”.
Pub. L. 101–649, §407(b)(1)(C), substituted “district of the Service in the United States” for “within the jurisdiction of the court”.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(b)(1)(B), substituted “within a State or a district of the Service in the United States” for “within the jurisdiction of the naturalization court”.
1968—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 90–369 added subsec. (d).
1967—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 90–215 added subsec. (c).
1958—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 85–697 inserted provision relating to persons performing religious duties.
Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title VI, §674(d), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 186, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 1433 and 1443a of this title] shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act [Jan. 28, 2008] and apply to any application for naturalization or issuance of a certificate of citizenship pending on or after such date.”
Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title XVII, §1703(f)(2), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1695, provided that: “The amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to persons granted posthumous citizenship under section 329A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1440–1) due to death on or after September 11, 2001.”
Amendment by Pub. L. 108–136 effective as if enacted Sept. 11, 2001, see section 1705(a) of Pub. L. 108–136, set out as a note under section 1439 of this title.
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
Pub. L. 101–193, title V, §506, Nov. 30, 1989, 103 Stat. 1709, as amended by Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title VI, §671(g)(1), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–724; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title IX, §923, Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1863, provided that:
“(a) For purposes of section 319(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1430(c)), the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, located in Garmisch, Federal Republic of Germany, shall be considered to be an organization described in clause (1) of such section.
“(b) Subsection (a) shall apply with respect to periods of employment before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 30, 1989].
“(c) No more than two persons per year may be naturalized based on the provisions of subsection (a).
“(d) Each instance of naturalization based on the provisions of subsection (a) shall be reported to the Committees on the Judiciary of the Senate and House of Representatives and to the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives prior to such naturalization.”
(a) A child born outside of the United States automatically becomes a citizen of the United States when all of the following conditions have been fulfilled:
(1) At least one parent of the child is a citizen of the United States, whether by birth or naturalization.
(2) The child is under the age of eighteen years.
(3) The child is residing in the United States in the legal and physical custody of the citizen parent pursuant to a lawful admission for permanent residence.
(b) Subsection (a) of this section shall apply to a child adopted by a United States citizen parent if the child satisfies the requirements applicable to adopted children under section 1101(b)(1) of this title.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §320, 66 Stat. 245; Pub. L. 95–417, §4, Oct. 5, 1978, 92 Stat. 917; Pub. L. 97–116, §18(m), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1620; Pub. L. 99–653, §14, Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3657; Pub. L. 100–525, §§8(l), 9(w), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2618, 2621; Pub. L. 106–395, title I, §101(a), Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1631.)
2000—Pub. L. 106–395 amended section catchline and text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows:
“(a) A child born outside of the United States, one of whose parents at the time of the child's birth was an alien and the other of whose parents then was and never thereafter ceased to be a citizen of the United States, shall, if such alien parent is naturalized, become a citizen of the United States, when—
“(1) such naturalization takes place while such child is unmarried and under the age of eighteen years; and
“(2) such child is residing in the United States pursuant to a lawful admission for permanent residence at the time of naturalization or thereafter and begins to reside permanently in the United States while under the age of eighteen years.
“(b) Subsection (a) of this section shall apply to an adopted child only if the child is residing in the United States at the time of naturalization of such adoptive parent, in the custody of his adoptive parents, pursuant to a lawful admission for permanent residence.”
1988—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 100–525, §8(l), repealed Pub. L. 99–653, §14. See 1986 Amendment note below.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–525, §9(w), substituted “Subsection (a)” for “Subsection (a)(1)”.
1986—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 99–653, §14, which inserted “unmarried and” after “such child is”, was repealed by Pub. L. 100–525, §8(l).
1981—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–116 substituted “an adopted child only if the child” for “a child adopted while under the age of sixteen years who”.
1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–417 substituted in pars. (1) and (2) “eighteen years” for “sixteen years”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 95–417 substituted provisions making subsec. (a)(1) of this section applicable to adopted children for provisions making subsec. (a) of this section inapplicable to adopted children.
Pub. L. 106–395, title I, §104, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1633, provided that: “The amendments made by this title [amending this section and section 1433 of this title and repealing section 1432 of this title] shall take effect 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 30, 2000] and shall apply to individuals who satisfy the requirements of section 320 or 322 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1431, 1433], as in effect on such effective date.”
Amendment by section 8(l) of Pub. L. 100–525 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments of 1986, Pub. L. 99–653, see section 309(b)(15) of Pub. L. 102–232, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 1988 Amendments note under section 1101 of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–116 effective Dec. 29, 1981, see section 21(a) of Pub. L. 97–116, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
Section, acts June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §321, 66 Stat. 245; Pub. L. 95–417, §5, Oct. 5, 1978, 92 Stat. 918; Pub. L. 97–116, §18(m), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1620; Pub. L. 99–653, §15, Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3658; Pub. L. 100–525, §8(l), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2618, related to conditions for automatic citizenship of children born outside the United States of alien parents.
Repeal effective 120 days after Oct. 30, 2000, see section 104 of Pub. L. 106–395, set out as an Effective Date of 2000 Amendment note under section 1431 of this title.
A parent who is a citizen of the United States (or, if the citizen parent has died during the preceding 5 years, a citizen grandparent or citizen legal guardian) may apply for naturalization on behalf of a child born outside of the United States who has not acquired citizenship automatically under section 1431 of this title. The Attorney General shall issue a certificate of citizenship to such applicant upon proof, to the satisfaction of the Attorney General, that the following conditions have been fulfilled:
(1) At least one parent (or, at the time of his or her death, was) is a citizen of the United States, whether by birth or naturalization.
(2) The United States citizen parent—
(A) has (or, at the time of his or her death, had) been physically present in the United States or its outlying possessions for a period or periods totaling not less than five years, at least two of which were after attaining the age of fourteen years; or
(B) has (or, at the time of his or her death, had) a citizen parent who has been physically present in the United States or its outlying possessions for a period or periods totaling not less than five years, at least two of which were after attaining the age of fourteen years.
(3) The child is under the age of eighteen years.
(4) The child is residing outside of the United States in the legal and physical custody of the applicant (or, if the citizen parent is deceased, an individual who does not object to the application).
(5) The child is temporarily present in the United States pursuant to a lawful admission, and is maintaining such lawful status.
Upon approval of the application (which may be filed from abroad) and, except as provided in the last sentence of section 1448(a) of this title, upon taking and subscribing before an officer of the Service within the United States to the oath of allegiance required by this chapter of an applicant for naturalization, the child shall become a citizen of the United States and shall be furnished by the Attorney General with a certificate of citizenship.
Subsections (a) and (b) of this section shall apply to a child adopted by a United States citizen parent if the child satisfies the requirements applicable to adopted children under section 1101(b)(1) of this title.
In the case of a child of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States who is authorized to accompany such member and reside abroad with the member pursuant to the member's official orders, and is so accompanying and residing with the member—
(1) any period of time during which the member of the Armed Forces is residing abroad pursuant to official orders shall be treated, for purposes of subsection (a)(2)(A), as physical presence in the United States;
(2) subsection (a)(5) shall not apply; and
(3) the oath of allegiance described in subsection (b) may be subscribed to abroad pursuant to section 1443a of this title.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §322, 66 Stat. 246; Pub. L. 95–417, §6, Oct. 5, 1978, 92 Stat. 918; Pub. L. 97–116, §18(m), (n), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1620, 1621; Pub. L. 99–653, §16, Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3658; Pub. L. 100–525, §8(l), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2618; Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §407(b)(2), (c)(6), (d)(5), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5040–5042; Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §305(m)(3), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1750; Pub. L. 103–416, title I, §102(a), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4306; Pub. L. 106–139, §1(b)(2), Dec. 7, 1999, 113 Stat. 1697; Pub. L. 106–395, title I, §102(a), Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1632; Pub. L. 107–273, div. C, title I, §11030B, Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1837; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title VI, §674(b), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 186.)
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original, “this Act”, meaning act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, known as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.
2008—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 110–181 added subsec. (d).
2002—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–273, §11030B(1), in introductory provisions, inserted “(or, if the citizen parent has died during the preceding 5 years, a citizen grandparent or citizen legal guardian)” after “citizen of the United States” and substituted “such applicant” for “such parent”.
Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 107–273, §11030B(2), inserted “(or, at the time of his or her death, was)” after “parent”.
Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 107–273, §11030B(3)(A), inserted “(or, at the time of his or her death, had)” after “(A) has”.
Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 107–273, §11030B(3)(B), inserted “(or, at the time of his or her death, had)” after “(B) has”.
Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 107–273, §11030B(4), amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (4) read as follows: “The child is residing outside of the United States in the legal and physical custody of the citizen parent, is temporarily present in the United States pursuant to a lawful admission, and is maintaining such lawful status.”
Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 107–273, §11030B(5), added par. (5).
2000—Pub. L. 106–395 amended section catchline and text generally, revising and restating provisions relating to acquisition of certificate of citizenship for certain children born outside the United States.
1999—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 106–139 substituted “16 years (except to the extent that the child is described in clause (ii) of subparagraph (E) or (F) of section 1101(b)(1) of this title)” for “16 years” and “either of such subparagraphs” for “subparagraph (E) or (F) of section 1101(b)(1) of this title”.
1994—Pub. L. 103–416 amended section generally, substituting present provisions for former provisions which related to: in subsec. (a) naturalization on application of citizen parents; in subsec. (b) adopted children; and subsec. (c) specified period of residence for adopted children.
1991—Pub. L. 102–232 amended section catchline.
1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(6), substituted “applying” for “petitioning” and “application” for “petition”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(5), substituted “Attorney General” for first reference to “naturalization court” in cl. (2)(C).
Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(6), substituted “applies” for “petitions”.
Pub. L. 101–649, §407(b)(2), substituted “within a State or a district of the Service in the United States” for “within the jurisdiction of the naturalization court”.
1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–525 repealed Pub. L. 99–653, §16. See 1986 Amendment note below.
1986—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–653, §16, which inserted “unmarried and” after “be naturalized if”, was repealed by Pub. L. 100–525.
1981—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–116, §18(m), substituted “an adopted child only if the child” for “a child adopted while under the age of sixteen years who”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–116, §18(n), added subsec. (c).
1978—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 95–417 substituted provisions making subsec. (a) of this section applicable to adopted children for provisions making subsec. (a) of this section inapplicable to adopted children.
Amendment by Pub. L. 110–181 effective Jan. 28, 2008, and applicable to any application for naturalization or issuance of a certificate of citizenship pending on or after such date, see section 674(d) of Pub. L. 110–181, set out as a note under section 1430 of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 106–395 effective 120 days after Oct. 30, 2000, and applicable to individuals who satisfy the requirements of this section or section 1431 of this title as in effect on such effective date, see section 104 of Pub. L. 106–395, set out as a note under section 1431 of this title.
Section 102(d) of Pub. L. 103–416 provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1452 of this title] shall take effect on the first day of the first month beginning more than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 25, 1994].”
Section 305(m) of Pub. L. 102–232 provided that the amendment made by that section is effective as if included in section 407(d) of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649.
Amendment by Pub. L. 100–525 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments of 1986, Pub. L. 99–653, see section 309(b)(15) of Pub. L. 102–232, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 1988 Amendments note under section 1101 of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–116 effective Dec. 29, 1981, see section 21(a) of Pub. L. 97–116, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
Section 102(e) of Pub. L. 103–416, as added by Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title VI, §671(b)(2), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–721, which provided that in applying amendment made by subsection (a), amending this section, to children born before Nov. 14, 1986, any reference in matter inserted by such amendment to “five years, at least two of which” was deemed a reference to “10 years, at least 5 of which”, was repealed by Pub. L. 105–38, §1, Aug. 8, 1997, 111 Stat. 1115, effective as if included in the enactment of Pub. L. 103–416.
Section, acts June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §323, 66 Stat. 246; Sept. 11, 1957, Pub. L. 85–316, §11, 71 Stat. 642; Aug. 20, 1958, Pub. L. 85–697, §1, 72 Stat. 687, related to citizenship of children adopted by citizens.
Any person formerly a citizen of the United States who (1) prior to September 22, 1922, lost United States citizenship by marriage to an alien, or by the loss of United States citizenship of such person's spouse, or (2) on or after September 22, 1922, lost United States citizenship by marriage to an alien ineligible to citizenship, may if no other nationality was acquired by an affirmative act of such person other than by marriage be naturalized upon compliance with all requirements of this subchapter, except—
(1) no period of residence or specified period of physical presence within the United States or within the State or district of the Service in the United States where the application is filed shall be required; and
(2) the application need not set forth that it is the intention of the applicant to reside permanently within the United States.
Such person, or any person who was naturalized in accordance with the provisions of section 317(a) of the Nationality Act of 1940, shall have, from and after her naturalization, the status of a native-born or naturalized citizen of the United States, whichever status existed in the case of such person prior to the loss of citizenship: Provided, That nothing contained herein or in any other provision of law shall be construed as conferring United States citizenship retroactively upon such person, or upon any person who was naturalized in accordance with the provisions of section 317(a) of the Nationality Act of 1940, during any period in which such person was not a citizen.
No person who is otherwise eligible for naturalization in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall be naturalized unless such person shall establish to the satisfaction of the Attorney General that she has been a person of good moral character, attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and well disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States for a period of not less than five years immediately preceding the date of filing an application for naturalization and up to the time of admission to citizenship, and, unless she has resided continuously in the United States since the date of her marriage, has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence prior to filing her application for naturalization.
(1) A woman who was a citizen of the United States at birth and (A) who has or is believed to have lost her United States citizenship solely by reason of her marriage prior to September 22, 1922, to an alien, or by her marriage on or after such date to an alien ineligible to citizenship, (B) whose marriage to such alien shall have terminated subsequent to January 12, 1941, and (C) who has not acquired by an affirmative act other than by marriage any other nationality, shall, from and after taking the oath of allegiance required by section 1448 of this title, be a citizen of the United States and have the status of a citizen of the United States by birth, without filing an application for naturalization, and notwithstanding any of the other provisions of this subchapter except the provisions of section 1424 of this title: Provided, That nothing contained herein or in any other provision of law shall be construed as conferring United States citizenship retroactively upon such person, or upon any person who was naturalized in accordance with the provisions of section 317(b) of the Nationality Act of 1940, during any period in which such person was not a citizen.
(2) Such oath of allegiance may be taken abroad before a diplomatic or consular officer of the United States, or in the United States before the Attorney General or the judge or clerk of a court described in section 1421(b) of this title.
(3) Such oath of allegiance shall be entered in the records of the appropriate embassy, legation, consulate, court, or the Attorney General, and, upon demand, a certified copy of the proceedings, including a copy of the oath administered, under the seal of the embassy, legation, consulate, court, or the Attorney General, shall be delivered to such woman at a cost not exceeding $5, which certified copy shall be evidence of the facts stated therein before any court of record or judicial tribunal and in any department or agency of the Government of the United States.
(1) A person who was a citizen of the United States at birth and lost such citizenship for failure to meet the physical presence retention requirements under section 1401(b) of this title (as in effect before October 10, 1978), shall, from and after taking the oath of allegiance required by section 1448 of this title be a citizen of the United States and have the status of a citizen of the United States by birth, without filing an application for naturalization, and notwithstanding any of the other provisions of this subchapter except the provisions of section 1424 of this title. Nothing in this subsection or any other provision of law shall be construed as conferring United States citizenship retroactively upon such person during any period in which such person was not a citizen.
(2) The provisions of paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (c) of this section shall apply to a person regaining citizenship under paragraph (1) in the same manner as they apply under subsection (c)(1) of this section.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §324, 66 Stat. 246; Pub. L. 100–525, §9(x), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2621; Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §407(b)(3), (c)(7), (d)(6), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5040–5042; Pub. L. 103–416, title I, §103(a), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4307.)
Section 317(a) and (b) of the Nationality Act of 1940, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (c)(1), which was classified to section 717(a) and (b) of this title, was repealed by section 403(a)(42) of act June 27, 1952. See subsecs. (a) and (c) of this section.
1994—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 103–416 added subsec. (d).
1990—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(b)(3), (c)(7), (d)(6)(A)(i), substituted “State or district of the Service in the United States” for “State” and “application” for “petition” and inserted “and” at end.
Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(7), (d)(6)(A)(ii), substituted references to applicant and application for references to petitioner and petition, and substituted period for semicolon at end.
Subsec. (a)(3), (4). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(6)(A)(iii), struck out pars. (3) and (4) which related to filing of petition and hearing on petition.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(7), (d)(6)(B), substituted references to application for references to petition wherever appearing, and “Attorney General” for “naturalization court”.
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(7), substituted “an application” for “a petition”.
Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(6)(C)(i), substituted “the Attorney General or the judge or clerk of a court described in section 1421(b) of this title” for “the judge or clerk of a naturalization court”.
Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(6)(C)(ii), substituted “court, or the Attorney General” for “or naturalization court” in two places.
1988—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 100–525 substituted “has” for “and the witnesses have”.
Section 103(b) of Pub. L. 103–416 provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the first day of the first month beginning more than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 25, 1994].”
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
Section 1 of act Aug. 16, 1951, as amended by section 402(j) of act June 27, 1952, provided: “That a person who, while a citizen of the United States, has lost citizenship of the United States solely by reason of having voted in a political election or plebiscite held in Italy between January 1, 1946, and April 18, 1948, inclusive, and who has not subsequent to such voting committed any act which, had he remained a citizen, would have operated to expatriate him, may be naturalized by taking, prior to two years from the enactment of this Act [June 27, 1952], before any naturalization court specified in subsection (a) of section 310 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [section 1421(a) of this title], or before any diplomatic or consular officer of the United States abroad, the oath required by section 337 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [section 1448 of this title]. Certified copies of such oath shall be sent by such diplomatic or consular officer or such court to the Department of State and to the Department of Justice. Such person shall have, from and after naturalization under this section, the same citizenship status as that which existed immediately prior to its loss: Provided, That no such person shall be eligible to take the oath required by section 337 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [section 1448 of this title] unless he shall first take an oath before any naturalization court specified in subsection (a) of section 310 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [section 1421(a) of this title], or before any diplomatic or consular officer of the United States abroad, that he has done nothing to promote the cause of communism. The illegal or fraudulent procurement of naturalization under this amendment shall be subject to cancellation in the same manner as provided in section 340 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [section 1451 of this title].”
Act July 20, 1954, ch. 553, 68 Stat. 495, provided: “That a person who has lost United States citizenship solely by reason of having voted in any political election or plebiscite held in Japan between September 2, 1945, and April 27, 1952, inclusive, and who has not, subsequent to such voting, committed any act which, had he remained a citizen, would have operated to expatriate him, and is not otherwise disqualified from becoming a citizen by reason of sections 313 or 314, or the third sentence of section 318 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [sections 1424, 1425, 1429 of this title], may be naturalized by taking, prior to two years after the date of the enactment of this Act [July 20, 1954], before any naturalization court specified in subsection (a) of section 310 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [section 1421(a) of this title] or before any diplomatic or consular officer of the United States abroad, the applicable oath prescribed by section 337 of such Act [section 1448 of this title]. Certified copies of such oath shall be sent by such court or such diplomatic or consular officer to the Department of State and to the Department of Justice. Such oath of allegiance shall be entered in the records of the appropriate naturalization court, embassy, legation, or consulate, and upon demand, a certified copy of the proceedings, including a copy of the oath administered, under the seal of the naturalization court, embassy, legation or consulate, shall be delivered to such person at a cost not exceeding $5, which certified copy shall be evidence of the facts stated therein before any court of record or judicial tribunal and in any department or agency of the Government of the United States. Any such person shall have, from and after naturalization under this Act, the same citizenship status as that which existed immediately prior to its loss: Provided, That no such person shall be eligible to take the oath prescribed by section 337 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [section 1448 of this title] unless he shall first take an oath before any naturalization court specified in subsection (a) of section 310 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [section 1421(a) of this title], or before any diplomatic or consular officer of the United States abroad, that he has done nothing to promote the cause of communism. Naturalization procured under this Act shall be subject to revocation as provided in section 340 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [section 1451 of this title], and subsection (f) of that section [section 1451(f) of this title] shall apply to any person claiming United States citizenship through the naturalization of an individual under this Act.”
A person not a citizen who owes permanent allegiance to the United States, and who is otherwise qualified, may, if he becomes a resident of any State, be naturalized upon compliance with the applicable requirements of this subchapter, except that in applications for naturalization filed under the provisions of this section residence and physical presence within the United States within the meaning of this subchapter shall include residence and physical presence within any of the outlying possessions of the United States.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §325, 66 Stat. 248; Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §407(c)(8), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5041.)
1990—Pub. L. 101–649 substituted “applications” for “petitions”.
Any person who (1) was a citizen of the Commonwealth of the Philippines on July 2, 1946, (2) entered the United States prior to May 1, 1934, and (3) has, since such entry, resided continuously in the United States shall be regarded as having been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence for the purpose of applying for naturalization under this subchapter.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §326, 66 Stat. 248; Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §407(c)(9), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5041.)
1990—Pub. L. 101–649 substituted “applying” for “petitioning”.
Any person who, (1) during World War II and while a citizen of the United States, served in the military, air, or naval forces of any country at war with a country with which the United States was at war after December 7, 1941, and before September 2, 1945, and (2) has lost United States citizenship by reason of entering or serving in such forces, or taking an oath or obligation for the purpose of entering such forces, may, upon compliance with all the provisions of subchapter III of this chapter, except section 1427(a) of this title, and except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this section, be naturalized by taking before the Attorney General or before a court described in section 1421(b) of this title the oath required by section 1448 of this title. Certified copies of such oath shall be sent by such court to the Department of State and to the Department of Justice and by the Attorney General to the Secretary of State.
No person shall be naturalized under subsection (a) of this section unless he—
(1) is, and has been for a period of at least five years immediately preceding taking the oath required in subsection (a) of this section, a person of good moral character, attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States and well disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States; and
(2) has been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence and intends to reside permanently in the United States.
Any person naturalized in accordance with the provisions of this section, or any person who was naturalized in accordance with the provisions of section 323 of the Nationality Act of 1940, shall have, from and after such naturalization, the status of a native-born, or naturalized, citizen of the United States, whichever status existed in the case of such person prior to the loss of citizenship: Provided, That nothing contained herein, or in any other provision of law, shall be construed as conferring United States citizenship retroactively upon any such person during any period in which such person was not a citizen.
For the purposes of this section, World War II shall be deemed to have begun on September 1, 1939, and to have terminated on September 2, 1945.
This section shall not apply to any person who during World War II served in the armed forces of a country while such country was at war with the United States.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §327, 66 Stat. 248; Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §407(d)(7), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5042.)
Section 323 of the Nationality Act of 1940, referred to in subsec. (c), which was classified to section 723 of this title, was repealed by section 403(a)(42) of act June 27, 1952. See subsec. (a) of this section.
1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–649 substituted “the Attorney General or before a court described in section 1421(b) of this title” for “any naturalization court specified in section 1421(a) of this title” and inserted “and by the Attorney General to the Secretary of State” before period at end.
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
A person who has served honorably at any time in the armed forces of the United States for a period or periods aggregating one year, and, who, if separated from such service, was never separated except under honorable conditions, may be naturalized without having resided, continuously immediately preceding the date of filing such person's application, in the United States for at least five years, and in the State or district of the Service in the United States in which the application for naturalization is filed for at least three months, and without having been physically present in the United States for any specified period, if such application is filed while the applicant is still in the service or within six months after the termination of such service.
A person filing an application under subsection (a) of this section shall comply in all other respects with the requirements of this subchapter, except that—
(1) no residence within a State or district of the Service in the United States shall be required;
(2) notwithstanding section 1429 of this title insofar as it relates to deportability, such applicant may be naturalized immediately if the applicant be then actually in the Armed Forces of the United States, and if prior to the filing of the application, the applicant shall have appeared before and been examined by a representative of the Service;
(3) the applicant shall furnish to the Secretary of Homeland Security, prior to any hearing upon his application, a certified statement from the proper executive department for each period of his service upon which he relies for the benefits of this section, clearly showing that such service was honorable and that no discharges from service, including periods of service not relied upon by him for the benefits of this section, were other than honorable (the certificate or certificates herein provided for shall be conclusive evidence of such service and discharge); and
(4) notwithstanding any other provision of law, no fee shall be charged or collected from the applicant for filing the application, or for the issuance of a certificate of naturalization upon being granted citizenship, and no clerk of any State court shall charge or collect any fee for such services unless the laws of the State require such charge to be made, in which case nothing more than the portion of the fee required to be paid to the State shall be charged or collected.
In the case such applicant's service was not continuous, the applicant's residence in the United States and State or district of the Service in the United States, good moral character, attachment to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and favorable disposition toward the good order and happiness of the United States, during any period within five years immediately preceding the date of filing such application between the periods of applicant's service in the Armed Forces, shall be alleged in the application filed under the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, and proved at any hearing thereon. Such allegation and proof shall also be made as to any period between the termination of applicant's service and the filing of the application for naturalization.
The applicant shall comply with the requirements of section 1427(a) of this title, if the termination of such service has been more than six months preceding the date of filing the application for naturalization, except that such service within five years immediately preceding the date of filing such application shall be considered as residence and physical presence within the United States.
Any such period or periods of service under honorable conditions, and good moral character, attachment to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and favorable disposition toward the good order and happiness of the United States, during such service, shall be proved by duly authenticated copies of the records of the executive departments having custody of the records of such service, and such authenticated copies of records shall be accepted in lieu of compliance with the provisions of section 1427(a) of this title.
Citizenship granted pursuant to this section may be revoked in accordance with section 1451 of this title if the person is separated from the Armed Forces under other than honorable conditions before the person has served honorably for a period or periods aggregating five years. Such ground for revocation shall be in addition to any other provided by law, including the grounds described in section 1451 of this title. The fact that the naturalized person was separated from the service under other than honorable conditions shall be proved by a duly authenticated certification from the executive department under which the person was serving at the time of separation. Any period or periods of service shall be proved by duly authenticated copies of the records of the executive departments having custody of the records of such service.
Not later than 6 months after receiving an application for naturalization filed by a current member of the Armed Forces under subsection (a), section 1440(a) of this title, or section 1440–1 of this title, by the spouse of such member under section 1430(b) of this title, or by a surviving spouse or child under section 1430(d) of this title, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services shall—
(1) process and adjudicate the application, including completing all required background checks to the satisfaction of the Secretary of Homeland Security; or
(2) provide the applicant with—
(A) an explanation for its inability to meet the processing and adjudication deadline under this subsection; and
(B) an estimate of the date by which the application will be processed and adjudicated.
The Director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services shall submit an annual report to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Refugees and the Subcommittee on Homeland Security 1 of the Senate and the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law and the Subcommittee 2 on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives that identifies every application filed under subsection (a), subsection (b) or (d) of section 1430 of this title, section 1440(a) of this title, or section 1440–1 of this title that is not processed and adjudicated within 1 year after it was filed due to delays in conducting required background checks.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §328, 66 Stat. 249; Pub. L. 90–633, §5, Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1344; Pub. L. 97–116, §15(e), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1619; Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §407(b)(4), (c)(10), (d)(8), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5040–5042; Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §305(c), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1750; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title XVII, §1701(a), (b)(1), (c)(1)(A), (f), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1691, 1692; Pub. L. 110–382, §3(a), Oct. 9, 2008, 122 Stat. 4088.)
For repeal of amendment by section 4 of Pub. L. 110–382, see Termination Date of 2008 Amendment note below.
2008—Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 110–382, §§3(a), 4, temporarily added subsecs. (g) and (h). See Termination Date of 2008 Amendment note below.
2003—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–136, §1701(a), substituted “one year,” for “three years,”.
Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 108–136, §1701(f), substituted “Secretary of Homeland Security” for “Attorney General”.
Pub. L. 108–136, §1701(b)(1)(A), substituted “honorable (the” for “honorable. The” and “discharge); and” for “discharge.”
Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 108–136, §1701(b)(1)(B), added par. (4).
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 108–136, §1701(c)(1)(A), added subsec. (f).
1991—Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 102–232 amended directory language of Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(8). See 1990 Amendment notes below.
1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(b)(4)(A), (c)(10), substituted “State or district of the Service in the United States” for “State”, “for at least three months” for “for at least six months”, and references to applicant and application for references to petitioner and petition wherever appearing.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(b)(4)(B), (c)(10), (d)(8), as amended by Pub. L. 102–232, substituted “within a State or district of the Service in the United States” for “within the jurisdiction of the court” in par. (1), “any hearing” for “the final hearing” in par. (3), and references to applicant and application for references to petitioner and petition wherever appearing.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(b)(4)(C), (c)(10), (d)(8), as amended by Pub. L. 102–232, substituted “State or district of the Service in the United States” for “State”, “any hearing” for “the final hearing”, and references to applicant's and application for references to petitioner's and petition wherever appearing.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(10), substituted references to applicant and application for references to petitioner and petition wherever appearing.
1981—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 97–116 struck out “and section 1447(c) of this title” after “relates to deportability” and “and the witnesses” after “petition, the petitioner”.
1968—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 90–633 inserted reference to section 1429 of this title as it relates to deportability.
Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law of Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives changed to Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement of Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives under Rule V(b) of the Committee's rules of procedure adopted Jan. 19, 2011.
Amendment by Pub. L. 110–382 repealed 5 years after Oct. 9, 2008, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–382, set out as a note under section 271 of Title 6, Domestic Security.
Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title XVII, §1701(c)(2), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1692, provided that: “The amendments made by paragraph (1) [amending this section and section 1440 of this title] shall apply to citizenship granted on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 24, 2003].”
Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title XVII, §1705, Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1696, provided that:
“(a)
“(b)
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–232 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649, see section 310(1) of Pub. L. 102–232, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–116 effective Dec. 29, 1981, see section 21(a) of Pub. L. 97–116, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
1 So in original. Probably should be “Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs”.
2 So in original. Probably should be “Committee”.
Any person who, while an alien or a noncitizen national of the United States, has served honorably as a member of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve or in an active-duty status in the military, air, or naval forces of the United States during either World War I or during a period beginning September 1, 1939, and ending December 31, 1946, or during a period beginning June 25, 1950, and ending July 1, 1955, or during a period beginning February 28, 1961, and ending on a date designated by the President by Executive order as of the date of termination of the Vietnam hostilities, or thereafter during any other period which the President by Executive order shall designate as a period in which Armed Forces of the United States are or were engaged in military operations involving armed conflict with a hostile foreign force, and who, if separated from such service, was separated under honorable conditions, may be naturalized as provided in this section if (1) at the time of enlistment, reenlistment, extension of enlistment, or induction such person shall have been in the United States, the Canal Zone, American Samoa, or Swains Island, or on board a public vessel owned or operated by the United States for noncommercial service, whether or not he has been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence, or (2) at any time subsequent to enlistment or induction such person shall have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence. The executive department under which such person served shall determine whether persons have served honorably in an active-duty status, and whether separation from such service was under honorable conditions: Provided, however, That no person who is or has been separated from such service on account of alienage, or who was a conscientious objector who performed no military, air, or naval duty whatever or refused to wear the uniform, shall be regarded as having served honorably or having been separated under honorable conditions for the purposes of this section. No period of service in the Armed Forces shall be made the basis of an application for naturalization under this section if the applicant has previously been naturalized on the basis of the same period of service.
A person filing an application under subsection (a) of this section shall comply in all other respects with the requirements of this subchapter, except that—
(1) he may be naturalized regardless of age, and notwithstanding the provisions of section 1429 of this title as they relate to deportability and the provisions of section 1442 of this title;
(2) no period of residence or specified period of physical presence within the United States or any State or district of the Service in the United States shall be required;
(3) service in the military, air or naval forces of the United States shall be proved by a duly authenticated certification from the executive department under which the applicant served or is serving, which shall state whether the applicant served honorably in an active-duty status during either World War I or during a period beginning September 1, 1939, and ending December 31, 1946, or during a period beginning June 25, 1950, and ending July 1, 1955, or during a period beginning February 28, 1961, and ending on a date designated by the President by Executive order as the date of termination of the Vietnam hostilities, or thereafter during any other period which the President by Executive order shall designate as a period in which Armed Forces of the United States are or were engaged in military operations involving armed conflict with a hostile foreign force, and was separated from such service under honorable conditions; and
(4) notwithstanding any other provision of law, no fee shall be charged or collected from the applicant for filing a petition for naturalization or for the issuance of a certificate of naturalization upon citizenship being granted to the applicant, and no clerk of any State court shall charge or collect any fee for such services unless the laws of the State require such charge to be made, in which case nothing more than the portion of the fee required to be paid to the State shall be charged or collected.
Citizenship granted pursuant to this section may be revoked in accordance with section 1451 of this title if the person is separated from the Armed Forces under other than honorable conditions before the person has served honorably for a period or periods aggregating five years. Such ground for revocation shall be in addition to any other provided by law, including the grounds described in section 1451 of this title. The fact that the naturalized person was separated from the service under other than honorable conditions shall be proved by a duly authenticated certification from the executive department under which the person was serving at the time of separation. Any period or periods of service shall be proved by duly authenticated copies of the records of the executive departments having custody of the records of such service.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §329, 66 Stat. 250; Pub. L. 87–301, §8, Sept. 26, 1961, 75 Stat. 654; Pub. L. 90–633, §§1, 2, 6, Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1343, 1344; Pub. L. 97–116, §15(a), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1619; Pub. L. 100–525, §9(y), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2621; Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §407(b)(5), (c)(11), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5040, 5041; Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §305(b), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1749; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title X, §1080(a), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1916; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title XVII, §§1701(b)(2), (c)(1)(B), 1702, Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1691–1693.)
For definition of Canal Zone, referred to in subsec. (a), see section 3602(b) of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse.
2003—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–136, §1702, inserted “as a member of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve or” after “has served honorably” in first sentence.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 108–136, §1701(b)(2), added par. (4).
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 108–136, §1701(c)(1)(B), amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Citizenship granted pursuant to this section may be revoked in accordance with section 1451 of this title if at any time subsequent to naturalization the person is separated from the military, air, or naval forces under other than honorable conditions, and such ground for revocation shall be in addition to any other provided by law. The fact that the naturalized person was separated from the service under other than honorable conditions shall be proved by a duly authenticated certification from the executive department under which the person was serving at the time of separation.”
1997—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 105–85 inserted “, reenlistment, extension of enlistment,” after “at the time of enlistment” and “or on board a public vessel owned or operated by the United States for noncommercial service,” after “Swains Island,”.
1991—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 102–232 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(11). See 1990 Amendment note below.
1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(11), as amended by Pub. L. 102–232, substituted “an application” for “a petition”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(11), as amended by Pub. L. 102–232, substituted references to applicant and application for references to petitioner and petition wherever appearing.
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(b)(5)(A), substituted “State or district of the Service in the United States” for “State” and inserted “and” at end.
Subsec. (b)(3), (4). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(b)(5)(B), (C), redesignated par. (4) as (3) and struck out former par. (3) which authorized filing of petition in any court having naturalization jurisdiction.
1988—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 100–525 struck out subsec. (d) which read as follows: “The eligibility for naturalization of any person who filed a petition for naturalization prior to January 1, 1947, under section 701 of the Nationality Act of 1940, as amended (56 Stat. 182, 58 Stat. 886, 59 Stat. 658), and which is still pending on the effective date of this chapter, shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of this section.”
1981—Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 97–116 struck out par. (5) which provided that, notwithstanding section 1447(c) of this title, the petitioner may be naturalized immediately if prior to the filing of the petition the petitioner and the witnesses have appeared before and been examined by a representative of the Service.
1968—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–633, §1, added the Vietnam hostilities and any subsequent period of military operations involving armed conflict with a hostile foreign force as periods during which a person may be naturalized through service in active duty status.
Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 90–633, §6, inserted reference to provisions of section 1429 of this title as they relate to deportability.
Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 90–633, §2, inserted reference to the period of the Vietnam hostilities and to any other subsequent period which the President by Executive order designates as a period in which the Armed Forces of the United States were engaged in military operations involving armed conflict with a hostile foreign force.
1961—Subsecs. (a), (b)(4). Pub. L. 87–301 inserted “or during a period beginning June 25, 1950, and ending July 1, 1955”.
Amendment by section 1701(c)(1)(B) of Pub. L. 108–136 applicable to citizenship granted on or after Nov. 24, 2003, see section 1701(c)(2) of Pub. L. 108–136, set out as a note under section 1439 of this title.
Amendment by section 1701(b)(2) of Pub. L. 108–136 effective Oct. 1, 2004, and amendments by sections 1701(c)(1)(B) and 1702 of Pub. L. 108–136 effective as if enacted Sept. 11, 2001, see section 1705 of Pub. L. 108–136, set out as a note under section 1439 of this title.
Section 1080(b) of Pub. L. 105–85 provided that: “The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to enlistments, reenlistments, extensions of enlistment, and inductions of persons occurring on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 18, 1997].”
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–232 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649, see section 310(1) of Pub. L. 102–232, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–116 effective Dec. 29, 1981, see section 21(a) of Pub. L. 97–116, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
Pub. L. 102–395, title I, §113, Oct. 6, 1992, 106 Stat. 1844, which provided that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, effective 120 days after Oct. 6, 1992, and applicable to natives of the Philippines who applied for naturalization under section 405 of Pub. L. 101–649, set out below, and who applied within 2 years after such effective date, the naturalization of natives of the Philippines who apply for naturalization under section 405 of Pub. L. 101–649 was to be conducted in Philippines as well as in United States by employees of Immigration and Naturalization Service designated pursuant to section 1446(b) of this title, and required Attorney General to prescribe necessary implementing regulations and maintain permanent records of the oaths of allegiance taken in accordance with these provisions, was repealed by Pub. L. 105–119, title I, §112(c), Nov. 26, 1997, 111 Stat. 2460.
Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §405, Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5039, as amended by Pub. L. 103–416, title I, §104(d), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4308; Pub. L. 105–119, title I, §112(b), Nov. 26, 1997, 111 Stat. 2459, provided that section 1440(a)(1) and (2) of this title did not apply to the naturalization of certain persons born in the Philippines who served honorably in an active duty status during the World War II occupation and liberation of the Philippines within the Philippine Army or within a recognized guerilla unit or who served within the Philippine Scouts or within any other component of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East at any time during the period beginning September 1, 1939, and ending December 31, 1946, who were otherwise eligible for naturalization under section 1440, and who applied for naturalization during the 2-year period beginning on Nov. 29, 1990.
Act June 30, 1950, ch. 443, §4, 64 Stat. 316, as amended June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, §402(e), 66 Stat. 276, provided that: “Notwithstanding the dates or periods of service specified and designated in section 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act [this section], the provisions of that section are applicable to aliens enlisted or reenlisted pursuant to the provisions of this Act and who have completed five or more years of military service, if honorably discharged therefrom. Any alien enlisted or reenlisted pursuant to the provisions of this Act who subsequently enters the United States, American Samoa, Swains Island, or the Canal Zone, pursuant to military orders shall, if otherwise qualified for citizenship, and after completion of five or more years of military service, if honorably discharged therefrom, be deemed to have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence within the meaning of such section 329(a) [subsection (a) of this section].”
Ex. Ord. No. 12081, Sept. 18, 1978, 43 F.R. 42237, provided:
By the authority vested in me as President of the United States of America by Section 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended by Sections 1 and 2 of the Act of October 24, 1968 (82 Stat. 1343; 8 U.S.C. 1440), and by the authority of Section 3 of that Act of October 24, 1968 (82 Stat. 1344; 8 U.S.C. 1440e), it is hereby ordered that the statutory period of Vietnam hostilities which began on February 28, 1961, shall be deemed to have terminated on October 15, 1978, for the purpose of ending the period in which active-duty service in the Armed Forces qualifies for certain exemptions from the usual requirements for naturalization, including length of residence and fees.
Jimmy Carter.
Ex. Ord. No. 12582, Feb. 2, 1987, 52 F.R. 3395, which provided for expedited naturalization for aliens and noncitizens who served in the Armed Forces in the Grenada campaign by making them eligible in accordance with statutory exceptions in section 1440(b) of this title, was revoked, effective Feb. 2, 1987, by Ex. Ord. No. 12913, May 2, 1994, 59 F.R. 23115, such revocation not intended to affect status of anyone who was naturalized pursuant to terms of that order prior to the date of publication of Ex. Ord. No. 12582 in the Federal Register (May 4, 1994).
Ex. Ord. No. 12939, Nov. 22, 1994, 59 F.R. 61231, provided:
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 1440 of title 8, United States Code, and in order to provide expedited naturalization for aliens and noncitizen nationals who served in an active-duty status in the Armed Forces of the United States during the period of the Persian Gulf Conflict, it is hereby ordered as follows:
For the purpose of determining qualification for the exception from the usual requirements for naturalization, the period of Persian Gulf Conflict military operations in which the Armed Forces of the United States were engaged in armed conflict with a hostile force commenced on August 2, 1990, and terminated on April 11, 1991. Those persons serving honorably in active-duty status in the Armed Forces of the United States during this period are eligible for naturalization in accordance with the statutory exception to the naturalization requirements, as provided in section 1440(b) of title 8, United States Code.
William J. Clinton.
Ex. Ord. No. 13269, July 3, 2002, 67 F.R. 45287, provided:
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1440) (the “Act”), and solely in order to provide expedited naturalization for aliens and noncitizen nationals serving in an active-duty status in the Armed Forces of the United States during the period of the war against terrorists of global reach, it is hereby ordered as follows:
For the purpose of determining qualification for the exception from the usual requirements for naturalization, I designate as a period in which the Armed Forces of the United States were engaged in armed conflict with a hostile foreign force the period beginning on September 11, 2001. Such period will be deemed to terminate on a date designated by future Executive Order. Those persons serving honorably in active-duty status in the Armed Forces of the United States, during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, and terminating on the date to be so designated, are eligible for naturalization in accordance with the statutory exception to the naturalization requirements, as provided in section 329 of the Act. Nothing contained in this order is intended to affect, nor does it affect, any other power, right, or obligation of the United States, its agencies, officers, employees, or any other person under Federal law or the law of nations.
George W. Bush.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide, in accordance with this section, for the granting of posthumous citizenship at the time of death to a person described in subsection (b) of this section if the Secretary of Homeland Security approves an application for that posthumous citizenship under subsection (c) of this section.
A person referred to in subsection (a) of this section is a person who, while an alien or a noncitizen national of the United States—
(1) served honorably in an active-duty status in the military, air, or naval forces of the United States during any period described in the first sentence of section 1440(a) of this title,
(2) died as a result of injury or disease incurred in or aggravated by that service, and
(3) satisfied the requirements of clause (1) or (2) of the first sentence of section 1440(a) of this title.
The executive department under which the person so served shall determine whether the person satisfied the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2).
A request for the granting of posthumous citizenship to a person described in subsection (b) of this section may be filed on behalf of that person—
(A) upon locating the next-of-kin, and if so requested by the next-of-kin, by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary's designee with the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services in the Department of Homeland Security immediately upon the death of that person; or
(B) by the next-of-kin.
The Director of the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services shall approve a request for posthumous citizenship filed by the next-of-kin in accordance with paragraph (1)(B) if—
(A) the request is filed not later than 2 years after—
(i) November 24, 2003; or
(ii) the date of the person's death;
whichever date is later;
(B) the request is accompanied by a duly authenticated certificate from the executive department under which the person served which states that the person satisfied the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b) of this section; and
(C) the Director finds that the person satisfied the requirement of subsection (b)(3) of this section.
If the Director of the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services approves the request referred to in subsection (c) of this section, the Director shall send to the next-of-kin of the person who is granted citizenship, a suitable document which states that the United States considers the person to have been a citizen of the United States at the time of the person's death.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §329A, as added Pub. L. 101–249, §2(a), Mar. 6, 1990, 104 Stat. 94; Pub. L. 107–273, div. C, title I, §11030(b), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1836; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title XVII, §§1703(g), 1704, Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1695, 1696.)
November 24, 2003, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(A)(i), was in the original “the date of enactment of this section”, which was translated as meaning the date of enactment of Pub. L. 108–136, which enacted subsec. (c) of this section, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
2003—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–136, §1703(g)(2), substituted “Secretary of Homeland Security” for “Attorney General” in two places.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 108–136, §1704(1), added heading and text of subsec. (c) and struck out former subsec. (c) which related to procedures for approval by the Attorney General of a request for the granting of posthumous citizenship.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 108–136, §1704(2), added heading and text of subsec. (d) and struck out former subsec. (d) which read as follows: “If the Attorney General approves such a request to grant a person posthumous citizenship, the Attorney General shall send to the individual who filed the request a suitable document which states that the United States considers the person to have been a citizen of the United States at the time of the person's death.”
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 108–136, §1703(g)(1), struck out heading and text of subsec. (e). Text read as follows: “Nothing in this section or section 1430(d) of this title shall be construed as providing for any benefits under this chapter for any spouse, son, daughter, or other relative of a person granted posthumous citizenship under this section.”
2002—Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 107–273 substituted “November 2, 2002,” for “March 6, 1990,”.
Amendment by Pub. L. 108–136 effective as if enacted Sept. 11, 2001, see section 1705 of Pub. L. 108–136, set out in a note under section 1439 of this title.
Sections, act June 30, 1953, ch. 162, §§1–4, 67 Stat. 108–110, which authorized naturalization of persons who served in the Armed Forces after June 29, 1950, and not later than July 1, 1955, were omitted as obsolete, since the provisions of section 1 of act June 30, 1953, required the petition for naturalization to be filed not later than December 31, 1955. See sections 1440 and 1440e of this title.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no clerk of a United States court shall charge or collect a naturalization fee from an alien who has served in the military, air, or naval forces of the United States during a period beginning February 28, 1961, and ending on the date designated by the President by Executive order as the date of termination of the Vietnam hostilities, or thereafter during any other period which the President by Executive order shall designate as a period in which Armed Forces of the United States are or were engaged in military operations involving armed conflict with a hostile foreign force, and who is applying for naturalization during such periods under section 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended by this Act [8 U.S.C. 1440], for filing a petition for naturalization or issuing a certificate of naturalization upon his admission to citizenship, and no clerk of any State court shall charge or collect any fee for such services unless the laws of the State require such charge to be made, in which case nothing more than the portion of the fee required to be paid to the State shall be charged or collected. A report of all transactions under this section shall be made to the Attorney General as in the case of other reports required of clerks of courts by title III of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.].
(Pub. L. 90–633, §3, Oct. 24, 1968, 82 Stat. 1344.)
The Immigration and Nationality Act, referred to in text, is act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, as amended. Title III of the Act is classified principally to subchapter III (§1401 et seq.) of this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.
Section was not enacted as part of the Immigration and Nationality Act which comprises this chapter.
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including section 552a of title 5 (commonly referred to as the “Privacy Act of 1974”), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall use the fingerprints provided by an individual at the time the individual enlisted in the United States Armed Forces, or at the time the individual filed an application for adjustment of status, to satisfy any requirement for background and security checks in connection with an application for naturalization if—
(1) the individual may be naturalized pursuant to section 1439 or 1440 of this title;
(2) the individual was fingerprinted and provided other biometric information in accordance with the requirements of the Department of Defense at the time the individual enlisted in the United States Armed Forces;
(3) the individual—
(A) submitted an application for naturalization not later than 24 months after the date on which the individual enlisted in the United States Armed Forces; or
(B) provided the required biometric information to the Department of Homeland Security through a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Application Support Center at the time of the individual's application for adjustment of status if filed not later than 24 months after the date on which the individual enlisted in the United States Armed Forces; and
(4) the Secretary of Homeland Security determines that the biometric information provided, including fingerprints, is sufficient to conduct the required background and security checks needed for the applicant's naturalization application.
Nothing in this section precludes an individual described in subsection (a) from submitting a new set of biometric information, including fingerprints, to the Secretary of Homeland Security with an application for naturalization. If the Secretary determines that submitting a new set of biometric information, including fingerprints, would result in more timely and effective adjudication of the individual's naturalization application, the Secretary shall—
(1) inform the individual of such determination; and
(2) provide the individual with a description of how to submit such biometric information, including fingerprints.
The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall determine the format of biometric information, including fingerprints, acceptable for usage under subsection (a). The Secretary of Defense, or any other official having custody of the biometric information, including fingerprints, referred to in subsection (a), shall—
(1) make such prints available, without charge, to the Secretary of Homeland Security for the purpose described in subsection (a); and
(2) otherwise cooperate with the Secretary of Homeland Security to facilitate the processing of applications for naturalization under subsection (a).
Not later than one year after June 26, 2008, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, implement procedures that will ensure the rapid electronic transmission of biometric information, including fingerprints, from existing repositories of such information needed for military personnel applying for naturalization as described in subsection (a) and that will safeguard privacy and civil liberties.
The Secretary of Homeland Security shall centralize the data processing of all applications for naturalization filed by members of the United States Armed Forces on active duty serving abroad.
The Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Director of National Intelligence shall take appropriate actions to ensure that applications for naturalization by members of the United States Armed Forces described in paragraph (1), and associated background checks, receive expedited processing and are adjudicated within 180 days of the receipt of responses to all background checks.
(Pub. L. 110–251, §2, June 26, 2008, 122 Stat. 2319.)
Section was enacted as part of the Kendell Frederick Citizenship Assistance Act, and not as part of the Immigration and Nationality Act which comprises this chapter.
Not later than 30 days after the effective date of any modification to a regulation related to naturalization under section 1439 or 1440 of this title, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall make appropriate updates to the Internet sites maintained by the Secretary to reflect such modification.
It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Homeland Security, not later than 180 days after each effective date described in subsection (a), should make necessary updates to the appropriate application forms of the Department of Homeland Security.
(Pub. L. 110–251, §3, June 26, 2008, 122 Stat. 2320.)
Section was enacted as part of the Kendell Frederick Citizenship Assistance Act, and not as part of the Immigration and Nationality Act which comprises this chapter.
Any periods of time during all of which a person who was previously lawfully admitted for permanent residence has served honorably or with good conduct, in any capacity other than as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, (A) on board a vessel operated by the United States, or an agency thereof, the full legal and equitable title to which is in the United States; or (B) on board a vessel whose home port is in the United States, and (i) which is registered under the laws of the United States, or (ii) the full legal and equitable title to which is in a citizen of the United States, or a corporation organized under the laws of any of the several States of the United States, shall be deemed residence and physical presence within the United States within the meaning of section 1427(a) of this title, if such service occurred within five years immediately preceding the date such person shall file an application for naturalization. Service on vessels described in clause (A) of this section shall be proved by duly authenticated copies of the records of the executive departments or agency having custody of the records of such service. Service on vessels described in clause (B) of this section may be proved by certificates from the masters of such vessels.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §330, 66 Stat. 251; Pub. L. 100–525, §9(z), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2621; Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §407(c)(12), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5041; Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §305(m)(5), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1750.)
1991—Pub. L. 102–232 substituted “of this section” for “of this subsection” in two places.
1990—Pub. L. 101–649 substituted “an application” for “a petition”.
1988—Pub. L. 100–525 designated provisions of former par. (1) of subsec. (a) as entire section, and struck out former pars. (2) and (3) and subsec. (b) which read as follows:
“(2) For the purposes of this subsection, any periods of time prior to September 23, 1950, during all of which any person had served honorably or with good conduct for an aggregate period of five years on any vessel described in section 325(a) of the Nationality Act of 1940 prior to its amendment by the Act of September 23, 1950, shall be deemed residence and physical presence within the United States within the meaning of section 1427(a) of this title, if such petition is filed within one year from the effective date of this chapter. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 1429 of this title, a person entitled to claim the exemptions contained in this paragraph shall not be required to establish a lawful admission for permanent residence.
“(3) For the purposes of this subsection, any periods of time prior to September 23, 1950, during all of which any person not within the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection had, prior to September 23, 1950, served honorably or with good conduct on any vessel described in section 325(a) of the Nationality Act of 1940 prior to its amendment by the Act of September 23, 1950, and was so serving on September 23, 1950, shall be deemed residence and physical presence within the United States within the meaning of section 1427(a) of this title, if such person at any time prior to filing his petition for naturalization shall have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence, and if such petition is filed on or before September 23, 1955.
“(b) Any person who was excepted from certain requirements of the naturalization laws under section 325 of the Nationality Act of 1940 prior to its amendment by the Act of September 23, 1950, and had filed a petition for naturalization under section 325 of the Nationality Act of 1940, may, if such petition was pending on September 23, 1950, and is still pending on the effective date of this chapter, be naturalized upon compliance with the applicable provisions of the naturalization laws in effect upon the date such petition was filed: Provided, That any such person shall be subject to the provisions of section 1424 of this title and to those provisions of section 1429 of this title which relate to the prohibition against the naturalization of a person against whom there is outstanding a final finding of deportability pursuant to a warrant of arrest issued under the provisions of this chapter or any other Act, or which relate to the prohibition against the final hearing on a petition for naturalization if there is pending against the petitioner a deportation proceeding pursuant to a warrant of arrest issued under the provisions of this chapter or any other Act.”
Section 305(m) of Pub. L. 102–232 provided that the amendment made by that section is effective as if included in section 407(d) of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649.
An alien who is a native, citizen, subject, or denizen of any country, state, or sovereignty with which the United States is at war may, after his loyalty has been fully established upon investigation by the Attorney General, be naturalized as a citizen of the United States if such alien's application for naturalization shall be pending at the beginning of the state of war and the applicant is otherwise entitled to admission to citizenship.
An alien embraced within this section shall not have his application for naturalization considered or heard except after 90 days’ notice to the Attorney General to be considered at the examination or hearing, and the Attorney General's objection to such consideration shall cause the application to be continued from time to time for so long as the Attorney General may require.
The Attorney General may, in his discretion, upon investigation fully establishing the loyalty of any alien enemy who did not have an application for naturalization pending at the beginning of the state of war, except such alien enemy from the classification of alien enemy for the purposes of this subchapter, and thereupon such alien shall have the privilege of filing an application for naturalization.
An alien who is a native, citizen, subject, or denizen of any country, state, or sovereignty with which the United States is at war shall cease to be an alien enemy within the meaning of this section upon the determination by proclamation of the President, or by concurrent resolution of the Congress, that hostilities between the United States and such country, state, or sovereignty have ended.
Nothing contained herein shall be taken or construed to interfere with or prevent the apprehension and removal, consistent with law, of any alien enemy at any time prior to the actual naturalization of such alien.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §331, 66 Stat. 252; Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §407(c)(13), (d)(9), (e)(2), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5041, 5042, 5046.)
1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(13), substituted references to applicant and application for references to petitioner and petition wherever appearing.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(9), substituted “considered or heard except after 90 days’ notice to the Attorney General to be considered at the examination or hearing, and the Attorney General's objection to such consideration shall cause the application to be continued” for “called for a hearing, or heard, except after ninety days’ notice given by the clerk of the court to the Attorney General to be represented at the hearing, and the Attorney General's objection to such final hearing shall cause the petition to be continued”.
Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(13), substituted “application” for “petition” after “have his”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(13), substituted “an application” for “a petition” wherever appearing.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(e)(2), struck out at end “Notwithstanding the provisions of section 405(b) of this Act, this subsection shall also apply to the case of any such alien whose petition for naturalization was filed prior to the effective date of this chapter and which is still pending on that date.”
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
The Attorney General shall make such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry into effect the provisions of this part and is authorized to prescribe the scope and nature of the examination of applicants for naturalization as to their admissibility to citizenship. Such examination shall be limited to inquiry concerning the applicant's residence, physical presence in the United States, good moral character, understanding of and attachment to the fundamental principles of the Constitution of the United States, ability to read, write, and speak English, and other qualifications to become a naturalized citizen as required by law, and shall be uniform throughout the United States.
The Attorney General is authorized to promote instruction and training in citizenship responsibilities of applicants for naturalization including the sending of names of candidates for naturalization to the public schools, preparing and distributing citizenship textbooks to such candidates as are receiving instruction in preparation for citizenship within or under the supervision of the public schools, preparing and distributing monthly an immigration and naturalization bulletin and securing the aid of and cooperating with official State and national organizations, including those concerned with vocational education.
The Attorney General shall prescribe and furnish such forms as may be required to give effect to the provisions of this part, and only such forms as may be so provided shall be legal. All certificates of naturalization and of citizenship shall be printed on safety paper and shall be consecutively numbered in separate series.
Employees of the Service may be designated by the Attorney General to administer oaths and to take depositions without charge in matters relating to the administration of the naturalization and citizenship laws. In cases where there is a likelihood of unusual delay or of hardship, the Attorney General may, in his discretion, authorize such depositions to be taken before a postmaster without charge, or before a notary public or other person authorized to administer oaths for general purposes.
A certificate of naturalization or of citizenship issued by the Attorney General under the authority of this subchapter shall have the same effect in all courts, tribunals, and public offices of the United States, at home and abroad, of the District of Columbia, and of each State, Territory, and outlying possession of the United States, as a certificate of naturalization or of citizenship issued by a court having naturalization jurisdiction.
Certifications and certified copies of all papers, documents, certificates, and records required or authorized to be issued, used, filed, recorded, or kept under any and all provisions of this chapter shall be admitted in evidence equally with the originals in any and all cases and proceedings under this chapter and in all cases and proceedings in which the originals thereof might be admissible as evidence.
The officers in charge of property owned or leased by the Government are authorized, upon the recommendation of the Attorney General, to provide quarters, without payment of rent, in any building occupied by the Service, for a photographic studio, operated by welfare organizations without profit and solely for the benefit of persons seeking to comply with requirements under the immigration and nationality laws. Such studio shall be under the supervision of the Attorney General.
In order to promote the opportunities and responsibilities of United States citizenship, the Attorney General shall broadly distribute information concerning the benefits which persons may receive under this subchapter and the requirements to obtain such benefits. In carrying out this subsection, the Attorney General shall seek the assistance of appropriate community groups, private voluntary agencies, and other relevant organizations. There are authorized to be appropriated (for each fiscal year beginning with fiscal year 1991) such sums as may be necessary to carry out this subsection.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §332, 66 Stat. 252; Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §§406, 407(d)(10), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5040, 5042; Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §305(m)(6), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1750.)
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (f), was in the original, “this Act”, meaning act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, known as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.
1991—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–232 substituted “applicants” for “petitioners” in first sentence.
1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(10), struck out “for the purpose of making appropriate recommendations to the naturalization courts” before period at end of first sentence and struck out second sentence which read as follows: “Such examination, in the discretion of the Attorney General, and under such rules and regulations as may be prescribed by him, may be conducted before or after the applicant has filed his petition for naturalization.”
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 101–649, §406, added subsec. (h).
Section 305(m) of Pub. L. 102–232 provided that the amendment made by that section is effective as if included in section 407(d) of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649.
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that any applications, interviews, filings, oaths, ceremonies, or other proceedings under title III of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.) relating to naturalization of members of the Armed Forces, and persons made eligible for naturalization by section 319(e) or 322(d) of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1430(e), 1433(d)], are available through United States embassies, consulates, and as practicable, United States military installations overseas.
(Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title XVII, §1701(d), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1692; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title VI, §674(c), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 186.)
The Immigration and Nationality Act, referred to in text, is act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, as amended. Title III of the Act is classified principally to subchapter III (§1401 et seq.) of this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.
Section was enacted as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004, and not as part of the Immigration and Nationality Act which comprises this chapter.
2008—Pub. L. 110–181 inserted “and their spouses and children” after “Armed Forces” in section catchline and “, and persons made eligible for naturalization by section 319(e) or 322(d) of such Act,” after “Armed Forces” in text.
Amendment by Pub. L. 110–181 effective Jan. 28, 2008, and applicable to any application for naturalization or issuance of a certificate of citizenship pending on or after such date, see section 674(d) of Pub. L. 110–181, set out as a note under section 1430 of this title.
Section effective Oct. 1, 2004, see section 1705(b) of Pub. L. 109–136, set out as an Effective Date of 2003 Amendment note under section 1439 of this title.
Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title XVII, §1701(e), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1692, provided that: “Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 24, 2003], the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe a policy that facilitates the opportunity for a member of the Armed Forces to finalize naturalization for which the member has applied. The policy shall include, for such purpose, the following:
“(1) A high priority for grant of emergency leave.
“(2) A high priority for transportation on aircraft of, or chartered by, the Armed Forces.”
(a) Three identical photographs of the applicant shall be signed by and furnished by each applicant for naturalization or citizenship. One of such photographs shall be affixed by the Attorney General to the original certificate of naturalization issued to the naturalized citizen and one to the duplicate certificate of naturalization required to be forwarded to the Service.
(b) Three identical photographs of the applicant shall be furnished by each applicant for—
(1) a record of lawful admission for permanent residence to be made under section 1259 of this title;
(2) a certificate of derivative citizenship;
(3) a certificate of naturalization or of citizenship;
(4) a special certificate of naturalization;
(5) a certificate of naturalization or of citizenship, in lieu of one lost, mutilated, or destroyed;
(6) a new certificate of citizenship in the new name of any naturalized citizen who, subsequent to naturalization, has had his name changed by order of a court of competent jurisdiction or by marriage; and
(7) a declaration of intention.
One such photograph shall be affixed to each such certificate issued by the Attorney General and one shall be affixed to the copy of such certificate retained by the Service.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §333, 66 Stat. 253; Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §407(c)(14), (d)(11), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5041, 5042; Pub. L. 103–416, title II, §219(w), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4318.)
1994—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 103–416 substituted “1259” for “1259(a)”.
1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–649 substituted “applicant” for “petitioner” after “by each”, and “Attorney General” for “clerk of the court”.
Amendment by Pub. L. 103–416 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649, see section 219(dd) of Pub. L. 103–416, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
An applicant for naturalization shall make and file with the Attorney General a sworn application in writing, signed by the applicant in the applicant's own handwriting if physically able to write, which application shall be on a form prescribed by the Attorney General and shall include averments of all facts which in the opinion of the Attorney General may be material to the applicant's naturalization, and required to be proved under this subchapter. In the case of an applicant subject to a requirement of continuous residence under section 1427(a) or 1430(a) of this title, the application for naturalization may be filed up to 3 months before the date the applicant would first otherwise meet such continuous residence requirement.
No person shall file a valid application for naturalization unless he shall have attained the age of eighteen years. An application for naturalization by an alien shall contain an averment of lawful admission for permanent residence.
Hearings under section 1447(a) of this title on applications for naturalization shall be held at regular intervals specified by the Attorney General.
Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, an application for naturalization shall be filed in the office of the Attorney General.
A person may file an application for naturalization other than in the office of the Attorney General, and an oath of allegiance administered other than in a public ceremony before the Attorney General or a court, if the Attorney General determines that the person has an illness or other disability which—
(1) is of a permanent nature and is sufficiently serious to prevent the person's personal appearance, or
(2) is of a nature which so incapacitates the person as to prevent him from personally appearing.
An alien over 18 years of age who is residing in the United States pursuant to a lawful admission for permanent residence may file with the Attorney General a declaration of intention to become a citizen of the United States. Such a declaration shall be filed in duplicate and in a form prescribed by the Attorney General and shall be accompanied by an application prescribed and approved by the Attorney General. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as requiring any such alien to make and file a declaration of intention as a condition precedent to filing an application for naturalization nor shall any such declaration of intention be regarded as conferring or having conferred upon any such alien United States citizenship or nationality or the right to United States citizenship or nationality, nor shall such declaration be regarded as evidence of such alien's lawful admission for permanent residence in any proceeding, action, or matter arising under this chapter or any other Act.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §334, 66 Stat. 254; Pub. L. 97–116, §15(b), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1619; Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §§401(b), 407(c)(15), (d)(12), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5038, 5041, 5042; Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §305(d), (e), (m)(7), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1750.)
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (f), was in the original a reference to this Act, meaning act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, known as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.
1991—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–232, §305(m)(7), struck out “, in duplicate,” after “file with the Attorney General”.
Pub. L. 102–232, §305(e), made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(12)(B). See 1990 Amendment note below.
Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 102–232, §305(d), redesignated subsec. (g) as (f).
1990—Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(12)(A), substituted “Application for naturalization; declaration of intention” for “Petition for naturalization” in section catchline.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(15), (d)(12)(B), as amended by Pub. L. 102–232, §305(e), substituted “with the Attorney General” for “in the office of the clerk of a naturalization court”, “under this subchapter” for “upon the hearing of such petition”, and “application” for “petition” wherever appearing.
Pub. L. 101–649, §401(b), inserted at end “In the case of an applicant subject to a requirement of continuous residence under section 1427(a) or 1430(a) of this title, the application for naturalization may be filed up to 3 months before the date the applicant would first otherwise meet such continuous residence requirement.”
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(15), (d)(12)(C), substituted “application” for “petition” in first sentence, and struck out “(1)” before “he shall have attained”, “and (2) he shall have first filed an application therefor at an office of the Service in the form and manner prescribed by the Attorney General” after “eighteen years”, and “petition for” after “An application for”.
Subsecs. (c) to (e). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(12)(F), added subsecs. (c) to (e) and struck out former subsecs. (c) to (e) which related to time to file, substitute filing place, and investigation into reasons for substitute filing place, respectively.
Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(15), (d)(12)(D), (E), redesignated subsec. (f) as (g), substituted “An alien over 18 years of age who is residing in the United States pursuant to a lawful admission for permanent residence may file with the Attorney General a declaration of intention to become a citizen of the United States. Such a declaration shall be filed in duplicate and in a form prescribed by the Attorney General and shall be accompanied by an application prescribed and approved by the Attorney General.” for “Any alien over eighteen years of age who is residing in the United States pursuant to a lawful admission for permanent residence may, upon an application prescribed, filed with, and approved by the Service, make and file in duplicate in the office of the clerk of court, regardless of the alien's place of residence in the United States, a signed declaration of intention to become a citizen of the United States, in such form as the Attorney General shall prescribe.”, and substituted “an application” for “a petition” in last sentence.
1981—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–116 struck out “and duly verified by two witnesses,” after “able to write,”.
Amendment by section 305(d), (e) of Pub. L. 102–232 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649, see section 310(1) of Pub. L. 102–232, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
Section 305(m) of Pub. L. 102–232 provided that the amendment made by that section is effective as if included in section 407(d) of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649.
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–116 effective Dec. 29, 1981, see section 21(a) of Pub. L. 97–116, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
Before a person may be naturalized, an employee of the Service, or of the United States designated by the Attorney General, shall conduct a personal investigation of the person applying for naturalization in the vicinity or vicinities in which such person has maintained his actual place of abode and in the vicinity or vicinities in which such person has been employed or has engaged in business or work for at least five years immediately preceding the filing of his application for naturalization. The Attorney General may, in his discretion, waive a personal investigation in an individual case or in such cases or classes of cases as may be designated by him.
The Attorney General shall designate employees of the Service to conduct examinations upon applications for naturalization. For such purposes any such employee so designated is authorized to take testimony concerning any matter touching or in any way affecting the admissibility of any applicant for naturalization, to administer oaths, including the oath of the applicant for naturalization, and to require by subpena the attendance and testimony of witnesses, including applicant, before such employee so designated and the production of relevant books, papers, and documents, and to that end may invoke the aid of any district court of the United States; and any such court may, in the event of neglect or refusal to respond to a subpena issued by any such employee so designated or refusal to testify before such employee so designated issue an order requiring such person to appear before such employee so designated, produce relevant books, papers, and documents if demanded, and testify; and any failure to obey such order of the court may be punished by the court as a contempt thereof. The record of the examination authorized by this subsection shall be admissible as evidence in any hearing conducted by an immigration officer under section 1447(a) of this title. Any such employee shall, at the examination, inform the applicant of the remedies available to the applicant under section 1447 of this title.
The record of the examination upon any application for naturalization may, in the discretion of the Attorney General be transmitted to the Attorney General and the determination with respect thereto of the employee designated to conduct such examination shall when made also be transmitted to the Attorney General.
The employee designated to conduct any such examination shall make a determination as to whether the application should be granted or denied, with reasons therefor.
After an application for naturalization has been filed with the Attorney General, the applicant shall not be permitted to withdraw his application, except with the consent of the Attorney General. In cases where the Attorney General does not consent to the withdrawal of the application, the application shall be determined on its merits and a final order determination made accordingly. In cases where the applicant fails to prosecute his application, the application shall be decided on the merits unless the Attorney General dismisses it for lack of prosecution.
An applicant for naturalization who moves from the district of the Service in the United States in which the application is pending may, at any time thereafter, request the Service to transfer the application to any district of the Service in the United States which may act on the application. The transfer shall not be made without the consent of the Attorney General. In the case of such a transfer, the proceedings on the application shall continue as though the application had originally been filed in the district of the Service to which the application is transferred.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §335, 66 Stat. 255; Pub. L. 97–116, §15(c), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1619; Pub. L. 100–525, §9(aa), (bb), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2621; Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §§401(c), 407(c)(16), (d)(13), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5038, 5041, 5043; Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §305(f), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1750.)
1991—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–232 substituted “district court” for “District Court”.
1990—Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(13)(A), substituted “Investigation of applicants; examination of applications” for “Investigation of petitioners” in section catchline.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(16), (d)(13)(B), substituted “Before a person may be naturalized” for “At any time prior to the holding of the final hearing on a petition for naturalization provided for by section 1447(a) of this title”, “applying” for “petitioning”, and “application” for “petition”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(16), (d)(13)(C), substituted “applications” for “petitions” and “applicant” for “petitioner” wherever appearing, struck out “preliminary” before “examinations” and before “examination”, struck out “to any naturalization court and to make recommendations thereon to such court” before period at end of first sentence, substituted “any District Court of the United States” for “any court exercising naturalization jurisdiction as specified in section 1421 of this title”, and substituted “hearing conducted by an immigration officer under section 1447(a) of this title” for “final hearing conducted by a naturalization court designated in section 1421 of this title”.
Pub. L. 101–649, §401(c), inserted at end “Any such employee shall, at the examination, inform the petitioner of the remedies available to the petitioner under section 1447 of this title.”
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(16), (d)(13)(D), struck out “preliminary” before “examination” wherever appearing, and substituted “determination” for “recommendation” and “application” for “petition”.
Subsecs. (d) to (f). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(13)(E), amended subsecs. (d) to (f) generally, substituting provisions relating to determinations, withdrawal of application, and transfer of application, for provisions relating to recommendations, withdrawal of petition, and transfer of petition, respectively.
1988—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 100–525, §9(aa), substituted “approves” for “approve” in fourth sentence.
Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 100–525, §9(bb), struck out before period at end “, except that the court to which the petition is transferred may in its discretion, require the production of two credible United States citizen witnesses to testify as to the petitioner's qualifications for naturalization since the date of such transfer”.
1981—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–116, §15(c)(1), struck out “and the oaths of petitioner's witnesses to the petition for naturalization” after “oath of the petitioner for naturalization”.
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 97–116, §15(c)(2), (3), redesignated subsec. (i) as (f) and struck out former subsec. (f) which required affidavits of at least two credible witnesses, citizens of the United States, concerning the residency and the good moral character, etc., of the petitioner.
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 97–116, §15(c)(2), struck out subsec. (g) which related to proof of residence at the hearing on the petition.
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 97–116, §15(c)(2), struck out subsec. (h) which related to satisfactory evidence as to good moral character, etc., at the hearing on the petition.
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 97–116, §15(c)(3), redesignated subsec. (i) as (f).
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–232 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649, see section 310(1) of Pub. L. 102–232, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–116 effective Dec. 29, 1981, see section 21(a) of Pub. L. 97–116, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
Pub. L. 105–119, title I, Nov. 26, 1997, 111 Stat. 2448, provided in part: “That during fiscal year 1998 and each fiscal year thereafter, none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the Immigration and Naturalization Service shall be used to complete adjudication of an application for naturalization unless the Immigration and Naturalization Service has received confirmation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation that a full criminal background check has been completed, except for those exempted by regulation as of January 1, 1997”.
If, after an examination under section 1446 of this title, an application for naturalization is denied, the applicant may request a hearing before an immigration officer.
If there is a failure to make a determination under section 1446 of this title before the end of the 120-day period after the date on which the examination is conducted under such section, the applicant may apply to the United States district court for the district in which the applicant resides for a hearing on the matter. Such court has jurisdiction over the matter and may either determine the matter or remand the matter, with appropriate instructions, to the Service to determine the matter.
The Attorney General shall have the right to appear before any immigration officer in any naturalization proceedings for the purpose of cross-examining the applicant and the witnesses produced in support of the application concerning any matter touching or in any way affecting the applicant's right to admission to citizenship, and shall have the right to call witnesses, including the applicant, produce evidence, and be heard in opposition to, or in favor of the granting of any application in naturalization proceedings.
The immigration officer shall, if the applicant requests it at the time of filing the request for the hearing, issue a subpena for the witnesses named by such applicant to appear upon the day set for the hearing, but in case such witnesses cannot be produced upon the hearing other witnesses may be summoned upon notice to the Attorney General, in such manner and at such time as the Attorney General may by regulation prescribe. Such subpenas may be enforced in the same manner as subpenas under section 1446(b) of this title may be enforced.
It shall be lawful at the time and as a part of the administration by a court of the oath of allegiance under section 1448(a) of this title for the court, in its discretion, upon the bona fide prayer of the applicant included in an appropriate petition to the court, to make a decree changing the name of said person, and the certificate of naturalization shall be issued in accordance therewith.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §336, 66 Stat. 257; Pub. L. 91–136, Dec. 5, 1969, 83 Stat. 283; Pub. L. 97–116, §15(d), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1619; Pub. L. 100–525, §9(cc), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2621; Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §407(c)(17), (d)(14), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5041, 5044; Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §305(g), (h), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1750.)
1991—Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 102–232, §305(g), (h), amended Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(14)(D)(i), (E)(ii), respectively. See 1990 Amendment note below.
1990—Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(14)(A), amended section catchline generally.
Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(14)(B), amended subsecs. (a) and (b) generally, substituting provisions relating to requests for hearing upon denial of application and failure to make determination, for provisions relating to holding of hearing in open court and exceptions to same, respectively.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(17), (d)(14)(C), substituted “immigration officer” for “court” and references to applicant, applicant's, and application for references to petitioner, petitioner's, and petition wherever appearing.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(14)(D)(i), as amended by Pub. L. 102–232, §305(g), substituted “immigration officer shall, if the applicant requests it at the time of filing the request for the hearing” for “clerk of court shall, if the petitioner requests it at the time for filing the petition for naturalization”.
Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(17), (d)(14)(D)(ii), (iii), substituted “applicant” for “petitioner”, struck out “final” before “hearing” wherever appearing, and inserted at end “Such subpenas may be enforced in the same manner as subpenas under section 1446(b) of this title may be enforced.”
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(14)(E)(i), substituted “administration by a court of the oath of allegiance under section 1448(a) of this title” for “naturalization of any person,”.
Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(14)(E)(ii), as amended by Pub. L. 102–232, §305(h), substituted “included in an appropriate petition to the court” for “included in the petition for naturalization of such person”.
Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(17), substituted “applicant” for “petitioner”.
1988—Pub. L. 100–525 amended section catchline.
1981—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–116, §15(d)(1), struck out “and the witnesses” after “such petition the petitioner”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–116, §15(d)(1), struck out “and the witnesses” after “examination of the petitioner” in two places.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–116, §15(d)(2), (3), redesignated subsec. (d) as (c) and struck out former subsec. (c) which prescribed a waiting period of thirty days after the filing of a petition for naturalization for the holding of a final hearing and permitted waiver of such period by the Attorney General if he determined that a waiver was in the public interest.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–116, §15(3), (4), redesignated subsec. (e) as (d) and struck out provision permitting the substitution of witnesses if after the petition is filed any of the verifying witnesses appear to be not competent, provided the petitioner acted in good faith in producing such witness. Former subsec. (d) redesignated (c).
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 97–116, §15(d)(4), (5), redesignated subsec. (f) as (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (d).
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 97–116, §15(d)(5), redesignated subsec. (f) as (e).
1969—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 91–136 struck out requirement that Attorney General, as a prerequisite to waiver of the waiting period, make an affirmative finding that such waiver will promote the security of the United States, and further struck out the provision prohibiting the acquisition of citizenship by final oath within 60 days preceding a general election and prior to the tenth day following such election.
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–232 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649, see section 310(1) of Pub. L. 102–232, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–116 effective Dec. 29, 1981, see section 21(a) of Pub. L. 97–116, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
A person who has applied for naturalization shall, in order to be and before being admitted to citizenship, take in a public ceremony before the Attorney General or a court with jurisdiction under section 1421(b) of this title an oath (1) to support the Constitution of the United States; (2) to renounce and abjure absolutely and entirely all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which the applicant was before a subject or citizen; (3) to support and defend the Constitution and the laws of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; (4) to bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and (5)(A) to bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law, or (B) to perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law, or (C) to perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law. Any such person shall be required to take an oath containing the substance of clauses (1) to (5) of the preceding sentence, except that a person who shows by clear and convincing evidence to the satisfaction of the Attorney General that he is opposed to the bearing of arms in the Armed Forces of the United States by reason of religious training and belief shall be required to take an oath containing the substance of clauses (1) to (4) and clauses (5)(B) and (5)(C) of this subsection, and a person who shows by clear and convincing evidence to the satisfaction of the Attorney General that he is opposed to any type of service in the Armed Forces of the United States by reason of religious training and belief shall be required to take an oath containing the substance of said clauses (1) to (4) and clause (5)(C). The term “religious training and belief” as used in this section shall mean an individual's belief in a relation to a Supreme Being involving duties superior to those arising from any human relation, but does not include essentially political, sociological, or philosophical views or a merely personal moral code. In the case of the naturalization of a child under the provisions of section 1433 of this title the Attorney General may waive the taking of the oath if in the opinion of the Attorney General the child is unable to understand its meaning. The Attorney General may waive the taking of the oath by a person if in the opinion of the Attorney General the person is unable to understand, or to communicate an understanding of, its meaning because of a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment. If the Attorney General waives the taking of the oath by a person under the preceding sentence, the person shall be considered to have met the requirements of section 1427(a)(3) of this title with respect to attachment to the principles of the Constitution and well disposition to the good order and happiness of the United States.
In case the person applying for naturalization has borne any hereditary title, or has been of any of the orders of nobility in any foreign state, the applicant shall in addition to complying with the requirements of subsection (a) of this section, make under oath in the same public ceremony in which the oath of allegiance is administered, an express renunciation of such title or order of nobility, and such renunciation shall be recorded as a part of such proceedings.
Notwithstanding section 1421(b) of this title, an individual may be granted an expedited judicial oath administration ceremony or administrative naturalization by the Attorney General upon demonstrating sufficient cause. In determining whether to grant an expedited judicial oath administration ceremony, a court shall consider special circumstances (such as serious illness of the applicant or a member of the applicant's immediate family, permanent disability sufficiently incapacitating as to prevent the applicant's personal appearance at the scheduled ceremony, developmental disability or advanced age, or exigent circumstances relating to travel or employment). If an expedited judicial oath administration ceremony is impracticable, the court shall refer such individual to the Attorney General who may provide for immediate administrative naturalization.
The Attorney General shall prescribe rules and procedures to ensure that the ceremonies conducted by the Attorney General for the administration of oaths of allegiance under this section are public, conducted frequently and at regular intervals, and are in keeping with the dignity of the occasion.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §337, 66 Stat. 258; Pub. L. 97–116, §18(o), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1621; Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §407(c)(18), (d)(15), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5041, 5044; Pub. L. 102–232, title I, §102(b)(2), title III, §305(i), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1736, 1750; Pub. L. 106–448, §1, Nov. 6, 2000, 114 Stat. 1939.)
2000—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106–448 inserted at end “The Attorney General may waive the taking of the oath by a person if in the opinion of the Attorney General the person is unable to understand, or to communicate an understanding of, its meaning because of a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment. If the Attorney General waives the taking of the oath by a person under the preceding sentence, the person shall be considered to have met the requirements of section 1427(a)(3) of this title with respect to attachment to the principles of the Constitution and well disposition to the good order and happiness of the United States.”
1991—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–232, §102(b)(2), amended subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (c) read as follows: “If the applicant is prevented by sickness or other disability from attending a public ceremony, the oath required to be taken by subsection (a) of this section may be taken at such place as the Attorney General may designate under section 1445(e) of this title.”
Pub. L. 102–232, §305(i), struck out “before” after “may be taken”.
1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(18), (d)(15)(A), substituted “applied” for “petitioned” and “applicant” for “petitioner” in first sentence, “in a public ceremony before the Attorney General or a court with jurisdiction under section 1421(b) of this title” for “in open court”, “Attorney General” for “naturalization court” wherever appearing in second and fourth sentences, and “Attorney General” for “court” before “the child” in fourth sentence.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(18), (d)(15)(B), substituted “applying” for “petitioning”, “applicant” for “petitioner”, and “in the same public ceremony in which the oath of allegiance is administered” for “in open court in the court in which the petition for naturalization is made”, and struck out “in the court” after “shall be recorded”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(18), (d)(15)(C), substituted “applicant” for “petitioner”, “attending a public ceremony” for “being in open court”, and “at such place as the Attorney General may designate under section 1445(e) of this title” for “a judge of the court at such place as may be designated by the court”.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(15)(D), added subsec. (d).
1981—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–116 substituted “section 1433” for “section 1433 or 1434”.
Pub. L. 106–448, §2, Nov. 6, 2000, 114 Stat. 1939, provided that: “The amendment made by section 1 [amending this section] shall apply to persons applying for naturalization before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 6, 2000].”
Amendment by section 102(b)(2) of Pub. L. 102–232 effective 30 days after Dec. 12, 1991, see section 102(c) of Pub. L. 102–232, set out as a note under section 1421 of this title.
Amendment by section 305(i) of Pub. L. 102–232 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649, see section 310(1) of Pub. L. 102–232, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–116 effective Dec. 29, 1981, see section 21(a) of Pub. L. 97–116, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title VI, §647, Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–710, provided that:
“(a)
“(b)
“(c)
“(1)
“(2)
“(A) cost of personnel of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (including travel and overtime expenses);
“(B) rental of space; and
“(C) costs of printing appropriate brochures and other information about the ceremonies.
“(3)
“(d)
Either at the time of the rendition of the decree of naturalization or at such other time as the judge may fix, the judge or someone designated by him shall address the newly naturalized citizen upon the form and genius of our Government and the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship; it being the intent and purpose of this section to enlist the aid of the judiciary, in cooperation with civil and educational authorities, and patriotic organizations in a continuous effort to dignify and emphasize the significance of citizenship.
(Feb. 29, 1952, ch. 49, §2, 66 Stat. 10.)
Section was not enacted as part of the Immigration and Nationality Act which comprises this chapter.
Section was previously classified to section 154 of former Title 36, Patriotic Societies and Observances.
Similar provisions were contained in act May 3, 1940, ch. 183, §2, 54 Stat. 178, which was classified to section 727a of this title prior to repeal by act Feb. 29, 1952.
A person admitted to citizenship in conformity with the provisions of this subchapter shall be entitled upon such admission to receive from the Attorney General a certificate of naturalization, which shall contain substantially the following information: Number of application for naturalization; number of certificate of naturalization; date of naturalization; name, signature, place of residence, autographed photograph, and personal description of the naturalized person, including age, sex, marital status, and country of former nationality; location of the district office of the Service in which the application was filed and the title, authority, and location of the official or court administering the oath of allegiance; statement that the Attorney General, having found that the applicant had complied in all respects with all of the applicable provisions of the naturalization laws of the United States, and was entitled to be admitted a citizen of the United States of America, thereupon ordered that the applicant be admitted as a citizen of the United States of America; attestation of an immigration officer; and the seal of the Department of Justice.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §338, 66 Stat. 259; Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §407(c)(19), (d)(16), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5041, 5045; Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §305(j), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1750; Pub. L. 103–416, title I, §104(a), title II, §219(z)(3), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4308, 4318.)
1994—Pub. L. 103–416, §219(z)(3), repealed Pub. L. 102–232, §305(j)(1). See 1991 Amendment note below.
Pub. L. 103–416, §104(a), struck out “intends to reside permanently in the United States, except in cases falling within the provisions of section 1435(a) of this title,” before “had complied in”.
1991—Pub. L. 102–232, §305(j)(2), substituted “district” for “District” before “office of the Service”.
Pub. L. 102–232, §305(j)(1), which made a technical correction to Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(16)(C), which was unnecessary because the language sought to be corrected was already correct in Pub. L. 101–649 (see 1990 Amendment note below) was repealed by Pub. L. 103–416, §219(z)(3). See Construction of 1994 Amendment note below.
1990—Pub. L. 101–649 substituted “application” for “petition” and “applicant” for “petitioner” in two places, struck out “by a naturalization court” after “citizenship”, and substituted “the Attorney General” for “the clerk of such court”, “location of the District office of the Service in which the application was filed and the title, authority, and location of the official or court administering the oath of allegiance” for “title, venue, and location of the naturalization court”, “the Attorney General” for “the court”, and “of an immigration officer; and the seal of the Department of Justice” for “of the clerk of the naturalization court; and seal of the court”.
Section 104(e) of Pub. L. 103–416 provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to persons admitted to citizenship on or after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 25, 1994].”
Section 219(z) of Pub. L. 103–416 provided that the amendment made by subsec. (z)(3) of that section is effective as if included in the Miscellaneous and Technical Immigration and Naturalization Amendments of 1991, Pub. L. 102–232.
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–232 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649, see section 310(1) of Pub. L. 102–232, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
Section 219(z)(3) of Pub. L. 103–416 provided that: “paragraph (1) of section 305(j) of such Act [Pub. L. 102–232, amending section 407(d)(16)(C) of Pub. L. 101–649] is repealed (and section 407(d)(16)(C) of the Immigration Act of 1990 [Pub. L. 101–649, amending this section] shall read as if such paragraph had not been enacted)”.
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
(a) The clerk of each court that administers oaths of allegiance under section 1448 of this title shall—
(1) deliver to each person administered the oath of allegiance by the court pursuant to section 1448(a) of this title the certificate of naturalization prepared by the Attorney General pursuant to section 1421(b)(2)(A)(ii) of this title,
(2) forward to the Attorney General a list of applicants actually taking the oath at each scheduled ceremony and information concerning each person to whom such an oath is administered by the court, within 30 days after the close of the month in which the oath was administered,
(3) forward to the Attorney General certified copies of such other proceedings and orders instituted in or issued out of the court affecting or relating to the naturalization of persons as may be required from time to time by the Attorney General, and
(4) be responsible for all blank certificates of naturalization received by them from time to time from the Attorney General and shall account to the Attorney General for them whenever required to do so.
No certificate of naturalization received by any clerk of court which may be defaced or injured in such manner as to prevent its use as herein provided shall in any case be destroyed, but such certificates shall be returned to the Attorney General.
(b) Each district office of the Service in the United States shall maintain, in chronological order, indexed, and consecutively numbered, as part of its permanent records, all declarations of intention and applications for naturalization filed with the office.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §339, 66 Stat. 259; Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §407(d)(17), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5045; Pub. L. 102–232, title I, §102(b)(1), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1735.)
1991—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–232, §102(b)(1)(F), inserted sentence at end relating to return of defaced or injured certificates of naturalization to Attorney General.
Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 102–232, §102(b)(1)(A), added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: “issue to each person to whom such an oath is administered a document evidencing that such an oath was administered,”.
Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 102–232, §102(b)(1)(B), inserted “a list of applicants actually taking the oath at each scheduled ceremony and” after “Attorney General”.
Subsec. (a)(3), (4). Pub. L. 102–232, §102(b)(1)(C)–(E), added par. (4), redesignated former par. (4) as (3) and substituted “, and” for period at end, and struck out former par. (3) which directed clerk to make and keep on file evidence for each document issued.
1990—Pub. L. 101–649 amended section generally, substituting provisions relating to functions and duties of clerks and records of declarations of intention and applications for naturalization, for provisions relating to functions and duties of clerks of naturalization courts.
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–232 effective 30 days after Dec. 12, 1991, see section 102(c) of Pub. L. 102–232, set out as a note under section 1421 of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 101–649 not applicable to functions and duties respecting petitions filed before Oct. 1, 1991, see section 408(c) of Pub. L. 101–649, set out as a note under section 1421 of this title.
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
It shall be the duty of the United States attorneys for the respective districts, upon affidavit showing good cause therefor, to institute proceedings in any district court of the United States in the judicial district in which the naturalized citizen may reside at the time of bringing suit, for the purpose of revoking and setting aside the order admitting such person to citizenship and canceling the certificate of naturalization on the ground that such order and certificate of naturalization were illegally procured or were procured by concealment of a material fact or by willful misrepresentation, and such revocation and setting aside of the order admitting such person to citizenship and such canceling of certificate of naturalization shall be effective as of the original date of the order and certificate, respectively: Provided, That refusal on the part of a naturalized citizen within a period of ten years following his naturalization to testify as a witness in any proceeding before a congressional committee concerning his subversive activities, in a case where such person has been convicted of contempt for such refusal, shall be held to constitute a ground for revocation of such person's naturalization under this subsection as having been procured by concealment of a material fact or by willful misrepresentation. If the naturalized citizen does not reside in any judicial district in the United States at the time of bringing such suit, the proceedings may be instituted in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or in the United States district court in the judicial district in which such person last had his residence.
The party to whom was granted the naturalization alleged to have been illegally procured or procured by concealment of a material fact or by willful misrepresentation shall, in any such proceedings under subsection (a) of this section, have sixty days’ personal notice, unless waived by such party, in which to make answers to the petition of the United States; and if such naturalized person be absent from the United States or from the judicial district in which such person last had his residence, such notice shall be given either by personal service upon him or by publication in the manner provided for the service of summons by publication or upon absentees by the laws of the State or the place where such suit is brought.
If a person who shall have been naturalized after December 24, 1952 shall within five years next following such naturalization become a member of or affiliated with any organization, membership in or affiliation with which at the time of naturalization would have precluded such person from naturalization under the provisions of section 1424 of this title, it shall be considered prima facie evidence that such person was not attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States and was not well disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States at the time of naturalization, and, in the absence of countervailing evidence, it shall be sufficient in the proper proceeding to authorize the revocation and setting aside of the order admitting such person to citizenship and the cancellation of the certificate of naturalization as having been obtained by concealment of a material fact or by willful misrepresentation, and such revocation and setting aside of the order admitting such person to citizenship and such canceling of certificate of naturalization shall be effective as of the original date of the order and certificate, respectively.
Any person who claims United States citizenship through the naturalization of a parent or spouse in whose case there is a revocation and setting aside of the order admitting such parent or spouse to citizenship under the provisions of subsection (a) of this section on the ground that the order and certificate of naturalization were procured by concealment of a material fact or by willful misrepresentation shall be deemed to have lost and to lose his citizenship and any right or privilege of citizenship which he may have, now has, or may hereafter acquire under and by virtue of such naturalization of such parent or spouse, regardless of whether such person is residing within or without the United States at the time of the revocation and setting aside of the order admitting such parent or spouse to citizenship. Any person who claims United States citizenship through the naturalization of a parent or spouse in whose case there is a revocation and setting aside of the order admitting such parent or spouse to citizenship and the cancellation of the certificate of naturalization under the provisions of subsection (c) of this section, or under the provisions of section 1440(c) of this title on any ground other than that the order and certificate of naturalization were procured by concealment of a material fact or by willful misrepresentation, shall be deemed to have lost and to lose his citizenship and any right or privilege of citizenship which would have been enjoyed by such person had there not been a revocation and setting aside of the order admitting such parent or spouse to citizenship and the cancellation of the certificate of naturalization, unless such person is residing in the United States at the time of the revocation and setting aside of the order admitting such parent or spouse to citizenship and the cancellation of the certificate of naturalization.
When a person shall be convicted under section 1425 of title 18 of knowingly procuring naturalization in violation of law, the court in which such conviction is had shall thereupon revoke, set aside, and declare void the final order admitting such person to citizenship, and shall declare the certificate of naturalization of such person to be canceled. Jurisdiction is conferred on the courts having jurisdiction of the trial of such offense to make such adjudication.
Whenever an order admitting an alien to citizenship shall be revoked and set aside or a certificate of naturalization shall be canceled, or both, as provided in this section, the court in which such judgment or decree is rendered shall make an order canceling such certificate and shall send a certified copy of such order to the Attorney General. The clerk of court shall transmit a copy of such order and judgment to the Attorney General. A person holding a certificate of naturalization or citizenship which has been canceled as provided by this section shall upon notice by the court by which the decree of cancellation was made, or by the Attorney General, surrender the same to the Attorney General.
The provisions of this section shall apply not only to any naturalization granted and to certificates of naturalization and citizenship issued under the provisions of this subchapter, but to any naturalization heretofore granted by any court, and to all certificates of naturalization and citizenship which may have been issued heretofore by any court or by the Commissioner based upon naturalization granted by any court, or by a designated representative of the Commissioner under the provisions of section 702 of the Nationality Act of 1940, as amended, or by such designated representative under any other act.
Nothing contained in this section shall be regarded as limiting, denying, or restricting the power of the Attorney General to correct, reopen, alter, modify, or vacate an order naturalizing the person.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §340, 66 Stat. 260; Sept. 3, 1954, ch. 1263, §18, 68 Stat. 1232; Pub. L. 87–301, §18, Sept. 26, 1961, 75 Stat. 656; Pub. L. 99–653, §17, Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3658; Pub. L. 100–525, §9(dd), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2621; Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §407(d)(18), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5046; Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §305(k), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1750; Pub. L. 103–416, title I, §104(b), (c), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4308.)
Section 702 of the Nationality Act of 1940, as amended, referred to in subsec. (g), which was classified to section 1002 of this title, was repealed by section 403(a)(42) of act June 27, 1952. See section 1440 of this title.
1994—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 103–416 redesignated subsec. (e) as (d) and substituted “subsection (c)” for “subsections (c) or (d)”, and struck out former subsec. (d) which related to revocation of naturalization of persons who, within one year of naturalization, have taken permanent residence in country of their nativity or in any other foreign country.
Subsecs. (e) to (i). Pub. L. 103–416, §104(c)(1), redesignated subsecs. (f) to (i) as (e) to (h), respectively. Former subsec. (e) redesignated (d).
1991—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–232, §305(k)(1), substituted “district court” for “District Court” in first sentence.
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 102–232, §305(k)(2), substituted “clerk of court” for “clerk of the court” in second sentence.
1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(18)(A), substituted “in any District Court of the United States” for “in any court specified in subsection (a) of section 1421 of this title”.
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(18)(B), (C), amended second sentence generally and struck out third sentence. Prior to amendment, second and third sentences read as follows: “In case such certificate was not originally issued by the court making such order, it shall direct the clerk of court in which the order is revoked and set aside to transmit a copy of such order and judgment to the court out of which such certificate of naturalization shall have been originally issued. It shall thereupon be the duty of the clerk of the court receiving such certified copy of the order and judgment of the court to enter the same of record and to cancel such original certificate of naturalization, if there be any, upon the records and to notify the Attorney General of the entry of such order and of such cancellation.”
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(18)(D), substituted “the Attorney General to correct, reopen, alter, modify, or vacate an order naturalizing the person” for “any naturalization court, by or in which a person has been naturalized, to correct, reopen, alter, modify, or vacate its judgment or decree naturalizing such person, during the term of such court or within the time prescribed by the rules of procedure or statutes governing the jurisdiction of the court to take such action”.
1988—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–525, §9(dd)(1), substituted “December 24, 1952” for “the effective date of this chapter”.
Subsecs. (e) to (j). Pub. L. 100–525, §9(dd)(2), (3), redesignated former subsecs. (f) to (j) as (e) to (i), respectively, and struck out former subsec. (e) which read as follows: “The revocation and setting aside of the order admitting any person to citizenship and canceling his certificate of naturalization under the provisions of subsection (a) of section 338 of the Nationality Act of 1940 shall not, where such action takes place after the effective date of this chapter, result in the loss of citizenship or any right or privilege of citizenship which would have been derived by or been available to a wife or minor child of the naturalized person had such naturalization not been revoked: Provided, That this subsection shall not apply in any case in which the revocation and setting aside of the order was the result of actual fraud.”
1986—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–653 substituted “one year” for “five years”.
1961—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 87–301, §18(a), inserted “were illegally procured or” after “that such order and certificate of naturalization”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 87–301, §18(b), inserted “illegally procured or” before “procured by concealment”.
1954—Subsec. (a). Act Sept. 3, 1954, substituted “United States attorneys” for “United States district attorneys”.
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–232 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649, see section 310(1) of Pub. L. 102–232, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
Section 23(f) of Pub. L. 99–653, as added by Pub. L. 100–525, §8(r), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2619, provided that: “The amendment made by section 17 [amending this section] shall not apply to individuals who have taken up permanent residence outside the United States before November 14, 1986.”
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
A person who claims to have derived United States citizenship through the naturalization of a parent or through the naturalization or citizenship of a husband, or who is a citizen of the United States by virtue of the provisions of section 1993 of the United States Revised Statutes, or of section 1993 of the United States Revised Statutes, as amended by section 1 of the Act of May 24, 1934 (48 Stat. 797), or who is a citizen of the United States by virtue of the provisions of subsection (c), (d), (e), (g), or (i) of section 201 of the Nationality Act of 1940, as amended (54 Stat. 1138), or of the Act of May 7, 1934 (48 Stat. 667), or of paragraph (c), (d), (e), or (g) of section 1401 of this title, or under the provisions of the Act of August 4, 1937 (50 Stat. 558), or under the provisions of section 203 or 205 of the Nationality Act of 1940 (54 Stat. 1139), or under the provisions of section 1403 of this title, may apply to the Attorney General for a certificate of citizenship. Upon proof to the satisfaction of the Attorney General that the applicant is a citizen, and that the applicant's alleged citizenship was derived as claimed, or acquired, as the case may be, and upon taking and subscribing before a member of the Service within the United States to the oath of allegiance required by this chapter of an applicant for naturalization, such individual shall be furnished by the Attorney General with a certificate of citizenship, but only if such individual is at the time within the United States.
A person who claims to be a national, but not a citizen, of the United States may apply to the Secretary of State for a certificate of non-citizen national status. Upon—
(1) proof to the satisfaction of the Secretary of State that the applicant is a national, but not a citizen, of the United States, and
(2) in the case of such a person born outside of the United States or its outlying possessions, taking and subscribing, before an immigration officer within the United States or its outlying possessions, to the oath of allegiance required by this chapter of a petitioner for naturalization,
the individual shall be furnished by the Secretary of State with a certificate of non-citizen national status, but only if the individual is at the time within the United States or its outlying possessions.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §341, 66 Stat. 263; Pub. L. 97–116, §18(p), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1621; Pub. L. 99–396, §16(a), Aug. 27, 1986, 100 Stat. 843; Pub. L. 99–653, §22, Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3658; Pub. L. 100–525, §8(q), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2618; Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §305(m)(8), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1750; Pub. L. 103–416, title I, §102(b), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4307.)
Section 1993 of the Revised Statutes, referred to in subsec. (a), which was classified to section 6 of this title, was repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172.
The Nationality Act of 1940, referred to in subsec. (a), is act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, 54 Stat. 1137, as amended. Sections 201, 203, and 205 of the Nationality Act of 1940, which were classified to sections 601, 603, and 605, respectively, of this title, were repealed by section 403(a)(42) of act June 27, 1952.
Act May 7, 1934 (48 Stat. 667), referred to in subsec. (a), which was classified to sections 3b and 3c of this title, was omitted from the Code.
Act Aug. 4, 1937, referred to in subsec. (a), which was classified to sections 5d and 5e of this title, was repealed by act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876, title I, subch. V, §504, 54 Stat. 1172.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b)(2), was in the original, “this Act”, meaning act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, known as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.
1994—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 103–416 struck out subsec. (c) which related to application to Attorney General for certificate of citizenship for adopted child.
1991—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–232 substituted “an applicant” for “a petitioner”.
1988—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–525 amended Pub. L. 99–653. See 1986 Amendment note below.
1986—Pub. L. 99–396, §16(a)(1), inserted reference to certificates of non-citizen national status in section catchline.
Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 99–396, §16(a)(2), (3), designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–653, as amended by Pub. L. 100–525, added subsec. (c).
1981—Pub. L. 97–116 substituted “(c), (d), (e), or (g) of section 1401” for “(3), (4), (5), or (7) of section 1401(a)”.
Amendment by Pub. L. 103–416 effective on the first day of the first month beginning more than 120 days after Oct. 25, 1994, see section 102(d) of Pub. L. 103–416, set out as a note under section 1433 of this act.
Section 305(m) of Pub. L. 102–232 provided that the amendment made by that section is effective as if included in section 407(d) of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649.
Amendment by Pub. L. 100–525 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments of 1986, Pub. L. 99–653, see section 309(b)(15) of Pub. L. 102–232, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 1988 Amendments note under section 1101 of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–116 effective Dec. 29, 1981, see section 21(a) of Pub. L. 97–116, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
Section 16(c) of Pub. L. 99–396 provided that: “The Secretary of State may not impose a fee exceeding $35 for the processing of an application for a certificate of non-citizen national status under section 341(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1452(b)] filed before the end of fiscal year 1987.”
The Attorney General is authorized to cancel any certificate of citizenship, certificate of naturalization, copy of a declaration of intention, or other certificate, document or record heretofore issued or made by the Commissioner or a Deputy Commissioner or hereafter made by the Attorney General if it shall appear to the Attorney General's satisfaction that such document or record was illegally or fraudulently obtained from, or was created through illegality or by fraud practiced upon, him or the Commissioner or a Deputy Commissioner; but the person for or to whom such document or record has been issued or made shall be given at such person's last-known place of address written notice of the intention to cancel such document or record with the reasons therefor and shall be given at least sixty days in which to show cause why such document or record should not be canceled. The cancellation under this section of any document purporting to show the citizenship status of the person to whom it was issued shall affect only the document and not the citizenship status of the person in whose name the document was issued.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §342, 66 Stat. 263.)
Section effective 180 days after June 27, 1952, see section 407 of act June 27, 1952, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
(a) If any certificate of naturalization or citizenship issued to any citizen or any declaration of intention furnished to any declarant is lost, mutilated, or destroyed, the citizen or declarant may make application to the Attorney General for a new certificate or declaration. If the Attorney General finds that the certificate or declaration is lost, mutilated, or destroyed, he shall issue to the applicant a new certificate or declaration. If the certificate or declaration has been mutilated, it shall be surrendered to the Attorney General before the applicant may receive such new certificate or declaration. If the certificate or declaration has been lost, the applicant or any other person who shall have, or may come into possession of it is required to surrender it to the Attorney General.
(b) The Attorney General shall issue for any naturalized citizen, on such citizen's application therefor, a special certificate of naturalization for use by such citizen only for the purpose of obtaining recognition as a citizen of the United States by a foreign state. Such certificate when issued shall be furnished to the Secretary of State for transmission to the proper authority in such foreign state.
(c) If the name of any naturalized citizen has, subsequent to naturalization, been changed by order of any court of competent jurisdiction, or by marriage, the citizen may make application for a new certificate of naturalization in the new name of such citizen. If the Attorney General finds the name of the applicant to have been changed as claimed, the Attorney General shall issue to the applicant a new certificate and shall notify the naturalization court of such action.
(d) The Attorney General is authorized to make and issue certifications of any part of the naturalization records of any court, or of any certificate of naturalization or citizenship, for use in complying with any statute, State or Federal, or in any judicial proceeding. No such certification shall be made by any clerk of court except upon order of the court.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §343, 66 Stat. 263; Pub. L. 100–525, §9(ee), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2621.)
1988—Pub. L. 100–525 redesignated subsecs. (b) to (e) as (a) to (d), respectively, and struck out former subsec. (a) which read as follows: “A person who claims to have been naturalized in the United States under section 323 of the Nationality Act of 1940 may make application to the Attorney General for a certificate of naturalization. Upon proof to the satisfaction of the Attorney General that the applicant is a citizen and that he has been naturalized as claimed in the application, such individual shall be furnished a certificate of naturalization by the Attorney General, but only if the applicant is at the time within the United States.”
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
(a) The Attorney General shall charge, collect, and account for fees prescribed by the Attorney General pursuant to section 9701 of title 31 for the following:
(1) Making, filing, and docketing an application for naturalization, including the hearing on such application, if such hearing be held, and a certificate of naturalization, if the issuance of such certificate is authorized by the Attorney General.
(2) Receiving and filing a declaration of intention, and issuing a duplicate thereof.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter or any other law, no fee shall be charged or collected for an application for declaration of intention or a certificate of naturalization in lieu of a declaration or a certificate alleged to have been lost, mutilated, or destroyed, submitted by a person who was a member of the military or naval forces of the United States at any time after April 20, 1898, and before July 5, 1902; or at any time after April 5, 1917, and before November 12, 1918; or who served on the Mexican border as a member of the Regular Army or National Guard between June 1916 and April 1917; or who has served or hereafter serves in the military, air, or naval forces of the United States after September 16, 1940, and who was not at any time during such period or thereafter separated from such forces under other than honorable conditions, who was not a conscientious objector who performed no military duty whatever or refused to wear the uniform, or who was not at any time during such period or thereafter discharged from such military, air, or naval forces on account of alienage.
(c) Except as provided by section 1356(q)(2) of this title or any other law, all fees collected by the Attorney General shall be deposited by the Attorney General in the Treasury of the United States except that all such fees collected or paid over on or after October 1, 1988, shall be deposited in the Immigration Examinations Fee Account established under section 1356(m) of this title: Provided, however, That all fees received by the Attorney General from applicants residing in the Virgin Islands of the United States, and in Guam, under this subchapter, shall be paid over to the treasury of the Virgin Islands and to the treasury of Guam, respectively.
(d) During the time when the United States is at war the Attorney General may not charge or collect a naturalization fee from an alien in the military, air, or naval service of the United States for filing an application for naturalization or issuing a certificate of naturalization upon admission to citizenship.
(e) In addition to the other fees required by this subchapter, the applicant for naturalization shall, upon the filing of an application for naturalization, deposit with and pay to the Attorney General a sum of money sufficient to cover the expenses of subpenaing and paying the legal fees of any witnesses for whom such applicant may request a subpena, and upon the final discharge of such witnesses, they shall receive, if they demand the same from the Attorney General, the customary and usual witness fees from the moneys which the applicant shall have paid to the Attorney General for such purpose, and the residue, if any, shall be returned by the Attorney General to the applicant.
(f)(1) The Attorney General shall pay over to courts administering oaths of allegiance to persons under this subchapter a specified percentage of all fees described in subsection (a)(1) of this section collected by the Attorney General with respect to persons administered the oath of allegiance by the respective courts. The Attorney General, annually and in consultation with the courts, shall determine the specified percentage based on the proportion, of the total costs incurred by the Service and courts for essential services directly related to the naturalization process, which are incurred by courts.
(2) The Attorney General shall provide on an annual basis to the Committees on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and of the Senate a detailed report on the use of the fees described in paragraph (1) and shall consult with such Committees before increasing such fees.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §344, 66 Stat. 264; Pub. L. 85–508, §26, July 7, 1958, 72 Stat. 351; Pub. L. 90–609, §3, Oct. 21, 1968, 82 Stat. 1200; Pub. L. 97–116, §16, Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1619; Pub. L. 100–459, title II, §209(b), Oct. 1, 1988, 102 Stat. 2203; Pub. L. 100–525, §9(ff), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2621; Pub. L. 101–649, title IV, §407(c)(20), (d)(19), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 5041, 5046; Pub. L. 102–232, title I, §102(b)(3), title III, §§305(l), 309(a)(1)(A)(ii), (b)(14), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1736, 1750, 1758, 1759; Pub. L. 107–273, div. C, title I, §11016(1), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1824.)
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original, “this Act”, meaning act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, known as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.
2002—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 107–273 substituted “Except as provided by section 1356(q)(2) of this title or any other law, all” for “All”.
1991—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–232, §305(l), made technical correction to Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(19)(A)(i). See 1990 Amendment note below.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–232, §309(b)(14), which provided for a clarifying amendment to subsec. (c), could not be executed, because the phrase which was to be amended did not appear after the amendment by Pub. L. 102–232, §309(a)(1)(A)(ii), see below.
Pub. L. 102–232, §309(a)(1)(A)(ii), amended Pub. L. 100–459. See 1988 Amendment note for subsec. (g) below.
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 102–232, §102(b)(3), added subsec. (f).
1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(19)(A)(i), as amended by Pub. L. 102–232, §305(l), substituted “The Attorney General” for “The clerk of court”.
Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(20), (d)(19)(A)(ii), (iii), substituted “an application” for “a petition” and “application” for “petition”, struck out “final” before “hearing”, and substituted “the Attorney General” for “the naturalization court”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(19)(B), (C), (F), redesignated subsec. (g) as (c), struck out “, and all fees paid over to the Attorney General by clerks of courts under the provisions of this subchapter,” before “shall be deposited by” and “or by the clerks of the courts” before “from applicants residing in”, and struck out former subsec. (c) which read as follows: “The clerk of any naturalization court specified in subsection (a) of section 1421 of this title (except the courts specified in subsection (d) of this section) shall account for and pay over to the Attorney General one-half of all fees up to the sum of $40,000, and all fees in excess of $40,000, collected by any such clerk in naturalization proceedings in any fiscal year.”
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(20), (d)(19)(B), (D), (F), redesignated subsec. (h) as (d), substituted “the Attorney General may not” for “no clerk of a United States court shall” and “an application” for “a petition”, struck out before period at end “, and no clerk of any State court shall charge or collect any fee for such services unless the laws of the State require such charge to be made, in which case nothing more than the portion of the fee required to be paid to the State shall be charged or collected. A report of all transactions under this subsection shall be made to the Attorney General as in the case of other reports required of clerks of courts by this subchapter” and struck out former subsec. (d) which read as follows: “The clerk of any United States district court (except in the District Court of the Virgin Islands of the United States and in the District Court of Guam) shall account for and pay over to the Attorney General all fees collected by any such clerk in naturalization proceedings: Provided, however, That the clerk of the District Court of the Virgin Islands of the United States and of the District Court of Guam shall report but shall not be required to pay over to the Attorney General the fees collected by any such clerk in naturalization proceedings.”
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(c)(20), (d)(19)(B), (E), (F), redesignated subsec. (i) as (e), substituted “an application” for “a petition” and “applicant” for “petitioner” wherever appearing, substituted references to Attorney General for references to clerk of court wherever appearing, and struck out former subsec. (e) which read as follows: “The accounting required by subsections (c) and (d) of this section shall be made and the fees paid over to the Attorney General by such respective clerks in their quarterly accounts which they are required to render to the Attorney General within thirty days from the close of each quarter of each and every fiscal year, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Attorney General.”
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(19)(B), struck out subsec. (f) which read as follows: “The clerks of the various naturalization courts shall pay all additional clerical force that may be required in performing the duties imposed by this subchapter upon clerks of courts from fees retained under the provisions of this section by such clerks in naturalization proceedings.”
Subsecs. (g) to (i). Pub. L. 101–649, §407(d)(19)(F), redesignated subsecs. (g) to (i) as (c) to (e), respectively.
1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–525 substituted “section 9701 of title 31” for “title V of the Independent Offices Appropriation Act, 1952 (65 Stat. 290)” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 100–459, as amended by Pub. L. 102–232, §309(a)(1)(A)(ii), inserted “except that all such fees collected or paid over on or after October 1, 1988, shall be deposited in the Immigration Examinations Fee Account established under section 1356(m) of this title” after “Treasury of the United States”.
1981—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–116 substituted “$40,000” for “$6,000” in two places.
1968—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–609 inserted reference to section 483a of title 31 and substituted provisions making reference to setting of fees by Attorney General for provisions establishing fees of $10 and $5 respectively for covered services.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 90–609 struck out provisions setting fixed dollar amounts for specified services to be charged, collected, and accounted for by Attorney General.
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 90–609 substituted fees received under this subchapter for fees received under subsec. (b) of this section as description of fees received from applicants residing in the Virgin Islands of the United States and in Guam which are turned over to the treasury of the Virgin Islands and Guam respectively.
1958—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 85–508 struck out “in Alaska and” before “in the District Court of the Virgin Islands”.
Amendment by section 102(b)(3) of Pub. L. 102–232 effective 30 days after Dec. 12, 1991, see section 102(c) of Pub. L. 102–232, set out as a note under section 1421 of this title.
Amendment by section 305(l) of Pub. L. 102–232 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649, see section 310(1) of Pub. L. 102–232, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
Amendment by section 309(a)(1)(A)(ii) of Pub. L. 102–232 effective as if included in the enactment of the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 1989, Pub. L. 100–459, title II, see section 309(a)(3) of Pub. L. 102–232, as amended, set out as a note under section 1356 of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–116 applicable to fiscal years beginning on or after Oct. 1, 1981, see section 21(b)(2) of Pub. L. 97–116, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
Effectiveness of amendment of this section by Pub. L. 85–508 was dependent on admission of Alaska into the Union under section 8(b) of Pub. L. 85–508. Admission was accomplished Jan. 3, 1959 on issuance of Proc. No. 3269, Jan. 3, 1959, 24 F.R. 81, 73 Stat. c16, as required by sections 1 and 8(c) of Pub. L. 85–508. See notes preceding former section 21 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.
Section, act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §345, 66 Stat. 266, related to free transmittal of official mail in naturalization matters. See section 3202 of Title 39, Postal Service.
Authorization is granted for the publication and distribution of the citizenship textbook described in subsection (b) of section 1443 of this title and for the reimbursement of the appropriation of the Department of Justice upon the records of the Treasury Department from the naturalization fees deposited in the Treasury through the Service for the cost of such publication and distribution, such reimbursement to be made upon statements by the Attorney General of books so published and distributed.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §346, 66 Stat. 266.)
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
The Attorney General is authorized and directed to prepare from the records in the custody of the Service a report upon those heretofore seeking citizenship to show by nationalities their relation to the numbers of aliens annually arriving and to the prevailing census populations of the foreign-born, their economic, vocational, and other classification, in statistical form, with analytical comment thereon, and to prepare such report annually hereafter. Payment for the equipment used in preparing such compilation shall be made from the appropriation for the enforcement of this chapter by the Service.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §347, 66 Stat. 266.)
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original, “this Act”, meaning act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, known as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.
Section effective 180 days after June 27, 1952, see section 407 of act June 27, 1952, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
Section, acts June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 2, §348, 66 Stat. 267; Oct. 24, 1988, Pub. L. 100–525, §9(gg), 102 Stat. 2622, related to admissibility in evidence of statements voluntarily made to officers and employees in course of their official duties and penalties for failure of clerk of court to perform duties.
(a) A person who is a national of the United States whether by birth or naturalization, shall lose his nationality by voluntarily performing any of the following acts with the intention of relinquishing United States nationality—
(1) obtaining naturalization in a foreign state upon his own application or upon an application filed by a duly authorized agent, after having attained the age of eighteen years; or
(2) taking an oath or making an affirmation or other formal declaration of allegiance to a foreign state or a political subdivision thereof, after having attained the age of eighteen years; or
(3) entering, or serving in, the armed forces of a foreign state if (A) such armed forces are engaged in hostilities against the United States, or (B) such persons serve as a commissioned or non-commissioned officer; or
(4)(A) accepting, serving in, or performing the duties of any office, post, or employment under the government of a foreign state or a political subdivision thereof, after attaining the age of eighteen years if he has or acquires the nationality of such foreign state; or (B) accepting, serving in, or performing the duties of any office, post, or employment under the government of a foreign state or a political subdivision thereof, after attaining the age of eighteen years for which office, post, or employment an oath, affirmation, or declaration of allegiance is required; or
(5) making a formal renunciation of nationality before a diplomatic or consular officer of the United States in a foreign state, in such form as may be prescribed by the Secretary of State; or
(6) making in the United States a formal written renunciation of nationality in such form as may be prescribed by, and before such officer as may be designated by, the Attorney General, whenever the United States shall be in a state of war and the Attorney General shall approve such renunciation as not contrary to the interests of national defense; or
(7) committing any act of treason against, or attempting by force to overthrow, or bearing arms against, the United States, violating or conspiring to violate any of the provisions of section 2383 of title 18, or willfully performing any act in violation of section 2385 of title 18, or violating section 2384 of title 18 by engaging in a conspiracy to overthrow, put down, or to destroy by force the Government of the United States, or to levy war against them, if and when he is convicted thereof by a court martial or by a court of competent jurisdiction.
(b) Whenever the loss of United States nationality is put in issue in any action or proceeding commenced on or after September 26, 1961 under, or by virtue of, the provisions of this chapter or any other Act, the burden shall be upon the person or party claiming that such loss occurred, to establish such claim by a preponderance of the evidence. Any person who commits or performs, or who has committed or performed, any act of expatriation under the provisions of this chapter or any other Act shall be presumed to have done so voluntarily, but such presumption may be rebutted upon a showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the act or acts committed or performed were not done voluntarily.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 3, §349, 66 Stat. 267; Sept. 3, 1954, ch. 1256, §2, 68 Stat. 1146; Pub. L. 87–301, §19, Sept. 26, 1961, 75 Stat. 656; Pub. L. 94–412, title V, §501(a), Sept. 14, 1976, 90 Stat. 1258; Pub. L. 95–432, §§2, 4, Oct. 10, 1978, 92 Stat. 1046; Pub. L. 97–116, §18(k)(2), (q), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1620, 1621; Pub. L. 99–653, §§18, 19, Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3658; Pub. L. 100–525, §§8(m), (n), 9(hh), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2618, 2622.)
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original a reference to this Act, meaning act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, known as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.
1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–525, §9(hh), substituted “A person” for “From and after the effective date of this chapter a person”.
Subsecs. (a) to (c). Pub. L. 100–525, §8(m), (n), amended Pub. L. 99–653. See 1986 Amendment notes below.
1986—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–653, §18(a), as amended by Pub. L. 100–525, §8(m)(1), inserted “voluntarily performing any of the following acts with the intention of relinquishing United States nationality” after “his nationality by”.
Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 99–653, §18(b), substituted “or upon an application filed by a duly authorized agent, after having attained the age of eighteen years” for “upon an application filed in his behalf by a parent, guardian, or duly authorized agent, or through the naturalization of a parent having legal custody of such person: Provided That nationality shall not be lost by any person under this section as the result of the naturalization of a parent or parents while such person is under the age of twenty-one years, or as the result of a naturalization obtained on behalf of a person under twenty-one years of age by a parent, guardian, or duly authorized agent, unless such person shall fail to enter the United States to establish a permanent residence prior to his twenty-fifth birthday: And provided further, That a person who shall have lost nationality prior to January 1, 1948, through the naturalization in a foreign state of a parent or parents, may, within one year from the effective date of this chapter, apply for a visa and for admission to the United States as a special immigrant under the provisions of section 1101(a)(27)(E) of this title”.
Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 99–653, §18(c), inserted “, after having attained the age of eighteen years” after “political subdivision thereof”.
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 99–653, §18(d), as amended by Pub. L. 100–525, §8(m)(2), substituted “if (A) such armed forces are engaged in hostilities against the United States, or (B) such persons serve as a commissioned or non-commissioned officer; or” for “unless, prior to such entry or service, such entry or service is specifically authorized in writing by the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense: Provided, That the entry into such service by a person prior to the attainment of his eighteenth birthday shall serve to expatriate such person only if there exists an option to secure a release from such service and such person fails to exercise such option at the attainment of his eighteenth birthday; or”.
Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 99–653, §18(e), (f), as amended by Pub. L. 100–525, §8(m)(3), inserted “after attaining the age of eighteen years” after “political subdivision thereof,” in subpars. (A) and (B).
Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 99–653, §19, as amended by Pub. L. 100–525, §8(n), redesignated former subsec. (c) as (b) and substituted “Any” for “Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, any”, and struck out former subsec. (b) which read as follows: “Any person who commits or performs any act specified in subsection (a) of this section shall be conclusively presumed to have done so voluntarily and without having been subjected to duress of any kind, if such person at the time of the act was a national of the state in which the act was performed and had been physically present in such state for a period or periods totaling ten years or more immediately prior to such act.”
1981—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–116 struck out “(a)” designation as added by section 4 of Pub. L. 95–432, which was not executed since it would have resulted in a subsec. (a) designation of “(a)(a)”, and substituted in par. (1) “special immigrant” for “nonquota immigrant”.
1978—Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 95–432, §§2, 4, redesignated par. (6) as (5). Former par. (5), which dealt with expatriation of persons who voted in a political election in a foreign state or participated in an election or plebiscite to determine sovereignty over foreign territory, was struck out.
Subsec. (a)(6), (7). Pub. L. 95–432, §4, redesignated pars. (7) and (9) as (6) and (7), respectively. Former pars. (6) and (7) redesignated (5) and (6), respectively.
Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 95–432, §2, struck out par. (8) which dealt with expatriation of persons who were dismissed or dishonorably discharged as result of deserting the military, air, or naval forces of the United States in time of war.
Subsec. (a)(9). Pub. L. 95–432, §4, redesignated par. (9) as (7).
1976—Subsec. (a)(10). Pub. L. 94–412 struck out par. (10) which dealt with the expatriation of persons who remained outside of the jurisdiction of the United States in time of war or national emergency to avoid service in the military.
1961—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 87–301 added subsec. (c).
1954—Subsec. (a)(9). Act Sept. 3, 1954, provided for forfeiture of citizenship of persons advocating the overthrow of the Government by force or violence.
Amendment by section 8(m), (n) of Pub. L. 100–525 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments of 1986, Pub. L. 99–653, see section 309(b)(15) of Pub. L. 102–232, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 1988 Amendments note under section 1101 of this title.
Section 23(g) of Pub. L. 99–653, as added by Pub. L. 100–525, §8(r), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2619, provided that: “The amendments made by sections 18, 19, and 20 [amending this section and section 1483 of this title] shall apply to actions taken before, on, or after November 14, 1986.”
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–116 effective Dec. 29, 1981, see section 21(a) of Pub. L. 97–116, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
Section 1 of act Sept. 3, 1954, provided: “That this Act [amending this section] may be cited as the ‘Expatriation Act of 1954’.”
Amendment by Pub. L. 94–412 not to affect any action taken or proceeding pending at the time of amendment, see section 501(h) of Pub. L. 94–412, set out as a note under section 1601 of Title 50, War and National Defense.
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
R.S. §1999 provided that: “Whereas the right of expatriation is a natural and inherent right of all people, indispensable to the enjoyment of the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; and whereas in the recognition of this principle this Government has freely received emigrants from all nations, and invested them with the rights of citizenship; and whereas it is claimed that such American citizens, with their descendants, are subjects of foreign states, owing allegiance to the governments thereof; and whereas it is necessary to the maintenance of public peace that this claim of foreign allegiance should be promptly and finally disavowed: Therefore any declaration, instruction, opinion, order, or decision of any officer of the United States which denies, restricts, impairs, or questions the right of expatriation, is declared inconsistent with the fundamental principles of the Republic.”
Section, act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 3, §350, 66 Stat. 269, provided that an individual with dual nationality who voluntarily claims the benefits of the foreign state nationality loses his United States nationality by having continuous residence in the foreign state for 3 years after having attained 22 years of age unless prior to the 3 year period he takes an oath of allegiance to the United States, or his residence in the foreign state was for a reason specified in section 1485(1), (2), (4), (5), (6), (7), or (8) of this title or section 1486(1) or (2) of this title.
Section 1 of Pub. L. 95–432 provided that repeal of this section is effective Oct. 10, 1978.
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (6) and (7) of section 1481(a) of this title, no national of the United States can lose United States nationality under this chapter while within the United States or any of its outlying possessions, but loss of nationality shall result from the performance within the United States or any of its outlying possessions of any of the acts or the fulfillment of any of the conditions specified in this Part if and when the national thereafter takes up a residence outside the United States and its outlying possessions.
(b) A national who within six months after attaining the age of eighteen years asserts his claim to United States nationality, in such manner as the Secretary of State shall by regulation prescribe, shall not be deemed to have lost United States nationality by the commission, prior to his eighteenth birthday, of any of the acts specified in paragraphs (3) and (5) of section 1481(a) of this title.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 3, §351, 66 Stat. 269; Pub. L. 97–116, §18(r), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1621; Pub. L. 99–653, §20, Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3658; Pub. L. 100–525, §8(o), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2618; Pub. L. 103–416, title I, §105(a), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4308; Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title VI, §671(b)(3), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–721.)
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original, “this Act”, meaning act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, known as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.
1996—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–208 struck out comma after “United States nationality”.
1994—Pub. L. 103–416 in section catchline substituted “loss of nationality” for “expatriation”, in subsec. (a) substituted “lose United States nationality” for “expatriate himself, or be expatriated” and “loss of nationality” for “expatriation”, and in subsec. (b) substituted “lost United States nationality” for “expatriated himself”.
1988—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–525 amended Pub. L. 99–653. See 1986 Amendment note below.
1986—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–653, as amended by Pub. L. 100–525, substituted “paragraphs (3)” for “paragraphs (2), (4),”.
1981—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–116, §18(r)(1), substituted “paragraphs (6) and (7) of section 1481(a)” for “paragraphs (7), (8), and (9) of section 1481”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–116, §18(r)(2), substituted “and (5)” for “(5), and (6)”.
Amendment by Pub. L. 104–208 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994, Pub. L. 103–416, see section 671(b)(14) of Pub. L. 104–208, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 100–525 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments of 1986, Pub. L. 99–653, see section 309(b)(15) of Pub. L. 102–232, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 1988 Amendments note under section 1101 of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 99–653 applicable to actions taken before, on, or after Nov. 14, 1986, see section 23(g) of Pub. L. 99–653, set out as a note under section 1481 of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–116 effective Dec. 29, 1981, see section 21(a) of Pub. L. 97–116, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
Provisions preserving the right and disavowal of foreign allegiance, see note under section 1481 of this title.
Section 1484, act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 3, §352, 66 Stat. 269, related to loss of nationality by naturalized national by continuous residence for 3 years in the territory or foreign state of which the individual was a former national or in which his place of birth was situated or continuous residence for 5 years in any other foreign state or states.
Section 1485, acts June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 3, §353, 66 Stat. 270; Aug. 4, 1959, Pub. L. 86–129, §1, 73 Stat. 274, provided exceptions for certain persons from loss of nationality pursuant to section 1484.
Section 1486, acts June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 3, §354, 66 Stat. 271; Aug. 4, 1959, Pub. L. 86–129, §§2, 3, 73 Stat. 274; Sept. 26, 1961, Pub. L. 87–301, §20, 75 Stat. 656, provided exceptions for certain persons from loss of nationality by continuous residence for five years in any foreign country of which the individual was not a national or in which his place of birth was situated.
Section 1487, act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 3, §355, 66 Stat. 272, related to loss of American nationality through expatriation of parents.
The loss of nationality under this part shall result solely from the performance by a national of the acts or fulfillment of the conditions specified in this part.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 3, §356, 66 Stat. 272.)
Nothing in this subchapter shall be applied in contravention of the provisions of any treaty or convention to which the United States is a party and which has been ratified by the Senate before December 25, 1952: Provided, however, That no woman who was a national of the United States shall be deemed to have lost her nationality solely by reason of her marriage to an alien on or after September 22, 1922, or to an alien racially ineligible to citizenship on or after March 3, 1931, or, in the case of a woman who was a United States citizen at birth, through residence abroad following such marriage, notwithstanding the provisions of any existing treaty or convention.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 3, §357, 66 Stat. 272; Pub. L. 100–525, §9(ii), Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2622.)
1988—Pub. L. 100–525 substituted “before December 25, 1952” for “upon the effective date of this subchapter”.
Whenever a diplomatic or consular officer of the United States has reason to believe that a person while in a foreign state has lost his United States nationality under any provision of part III of this subchapter, or under any provision of chapter IV of the Nationality Act of 1940, as amended, he shall certify the facts upon which such belief is based to the Department of State, in writing, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of State. If the report of the diplomatic or consular officer is approved by the Secretary of State, a copy of the certificate shall be forwarded to the Attorney General, for his information, and the diplomatic or consular office in which the report was made shall be directed to forward a copy of the certificate to the person to whom it relates. Approval by the Secretary of State of a certificate under this section shall constitute a final administrative determination of loss of United States nationality under this chapter, subject to such procedures for administrative appeal as the Secretary may prescribe by regulation, and also shall constitute a denial of a right or privilege of United States nationality for purposes of section 1503 of this title.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 4, §358, 66 Stat. 272; Pub. L. 103–416, title I, §106, Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4309.)
Chapter IV of the Nationality Act of 1940, as amended, referred to in text, which was classified to sections 800 to 810 of this title, was repealed by section 403(a)(42) of act June 27, 1952.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original, “this Act”, meaning act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, known as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.
Section was formerly classified to section 100 of this title.
1994—Pub. L. 103–416 inserted at end “Approval by the Secretary of State of a certificate under this section shall constitute a final administrative determination of loss of United States nationality under this chapter, subject to such procedures for administrative appeal as the Secretary may prescribe by regulation, and also shall constitute a denial of a right or privilege of United States nationality for purposes of section 1503 of this title.”
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
The Secretary of State is authorized to issue, in his discretion and in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed by him, a certificate of nationality for any person not a naturalized citizen of the United States who presents satisfactory evidence that he is an American national and that such certificate is needed for use in judicial or administrative proceedings in a foreign state. Such certificate shall be solely for use in the case for which it was issued and shall be transmitted by the Secretary of State through appropriate official channels to the judicial or administrative officers of the foreign state in which it is to be used.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 4, §359, 66 Stat. 273.)
Section was formerly classified to section 101 of this title.
If any person who is within the United States claims a right or privilege as a national of the United States and is denied such right or privilege by any department or independent agency, or official thereof, upon the ground that he is not a national of the United States, such person may institute an action under the provisions of section 2201 of title 28 against the head of such department or independent agency for a judgment declaring him to be a national of the United States, except that no such action may be instituted in any case if the issue of such person's status as a national of the United States (1) arose by reason of, or in connection with any removal proceeding under the provisions of this chapter or any other act, or (2) is in issue in any such removal proceeding. An action under this subsection may be instituted only within five years after the final administrative denial of such right or privilege and shall be filed in the district court of the United States for the district in which such person resides or claims a residence, and jurisdiction over such officials in such cases is conferred upon those courts.
If any person who is not within the United States claims a right or privilege as a national of the United States and is denied such right or privilege by any department or independent agency, or official thereof, upon the ground that he is not a national of the United States, such person may make application to a diplomatic or consular officer of the United States in the foreign country in which he is residing for a certificate of identity for the purpose of traveling to a port of entry in the United States and applying for admission. Upon proof to the satisfaction of such diplomatic or consular officer that such application is made in good faith and has a substantial basis, he shall issue to such person a certificate of identity. From any denial of an application for such certificate the applicant shall be entitled to an appeal to the Secretary of State, who, if he approves the denial, shall state in writing his reasons for his decision. The Secretary of State shall prescribe rules and regulations for the issuance of certificates of identity as above provided. The provisions of this subsection shall be applicable only to a person who at some time prior to his application for the certificate of identity has been physically present in the United States, or to a person under sixteen years of age who was born abroad of a United States citizen parent.
A person who has been issued a certificate of identity under the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, and while in possession thereof, may apply for admission to the United States at any port of entry, and shall be subject to all the provisions of this chapter relating to the conduct of proceedings involving aliens seeking admission to the United States. A final determination by the Attorney General that any such person is not entitled to admission to the United States shall be subject to review by any court of competent jurisdiction in habeas corpus proceedings and not otherwise. Any person described in this section who is finally denied admission to the United States shall be subject to all the provisions of this chapter relating to aliens seeking admission to the United States.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 4, §360, 66 Stat. 273; Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title III, §308(d)(4)(P), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–619.)
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (c), was in the original a reference to this Act, meaning act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, known as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.
1996—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–208, §308(d)(4)(P)(i), substituted “removal” for “exclusion” in two places.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 104–208, §308(d)(4)(P)(ii), substituted “denied admission” for “excluded from admission”.
Amendment by Pub. L. 104–208 effective, with certain transitional provisions, on the first day of the first month beginning more than 180 days after Sept. 30, 1996, see section 309 of Pub. L. 104–208, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related references, see note set out under section 1551 of this title.
(a) The Secretary of State is authorized to cancel any United States passport or Consular Report of Birth, or certified copy thereof, if it appears that such document was illegally, fraudulently, or erroneously obtained from, or was created through illegality or fraud practiced upon, the Secretary. The person for or to whom such document has been issued or made shall be given, at such person's last known address, written notice of the cancellation of such document, together with the procedures for seeking a prompt post-cancellation hearing. The cancellation under this section of any document purporting to show the citizenship status of the person to whom it was issued shall affect only the document and not the citizenship status of the person in whose name the document was issued.
(b) For purposes of this section, the term “Consular Report of Birth” refers to the report, designated as a “Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States”, issued by a consular officer to document a citizen born abroad.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title III, ch. 4, §361, as added Pub. L. 103–416, title I, §107(a), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4309.)