[carrieatltu]

I plan on using my tax return money to finally file my daughters citizenship papers I just had some questions and am hoping someone can PM me, if they know the answers

We adopted her 4 years ago, but we hadn't visited so we received a green card for her instead of citizenship.

We changed her name in MI, and have a MI birth certificate and SSN with her new name. However we did not get the green card name updated.

What do I need to do to get her citizenship with the new name we gave her?

THanks so much!!

Tomorrow is her 4 year adoption day!! Can't believe it!

Carrie
Mom to Isabel (guat princess), Jasmine and Dominic (bio)... and baby #4 due tomorrow!

[DPline]

You need to file form N600 to get her a Certificate of Citizenship. You can get the form from the USCIS website. Feel free to PM me and I can help you with the form/supporting documents.

And congrats on your 4 year adoption anniversary!

[DFNY]

Carrie, just wanting to say congrats on the 4th year anniversary and best wishes for a brief labor and healthy baby #4!

Damaris

[maak]

Are you sure you have to file a N600? It seems to me that there have been other posts re that. We also did not visit so came home with a green card and readopted in our state and obatain a new Connecticut (where we live) birth certificate for her and then changed her name and finally, with all those documents obtained a US Passport for our dd. I was told that is all we had to do. Once you obtain a passport, the child is officially considered a citizen. This is way more cheaper than filing for a N600. Please correct me if I am wrong.

[DPline]

In the case of an IR4 visa, it is the process of readoption that makes the child a US citizen. Not getting a passport. Once you have completed the readoption process, the child is a US citizen with or without a passport or COC. Personally though, I feel that especially in this post-9/11 society and continuously increasing US security measures, I want my children's full and correct legal names on file with USCIS as citizens and want that certificate to prove it without a shadow of a doubt.

They may never need it (though it is my understanding that for things like joining the military, government jobs that require security clearance, some college scholarships, things like that, it may be necessary and if they want to adopt internationally one day, they will need it to prove their citizenship) I want it 'just in case.' A passport can show citizenship, but it expires and is issued by the State Department, not USCIS/Homeland Security. The new birth certificate that is issued by your state will most likely still say the child was born in Guatemala, and does not prove citizenship.

Yes, you could present an adoption decree, readoption papers, court ordered name change papers, whatever. But I am sure we have all experienced at one time or another, someone in a position of authority who would not accept these papers even if they were totally valid. (For example all the problems people have with Social Security offices.) Personally I feel better having the COC even if they are never in a position to need it.

Off my soapbox now!

[cborsa7]

Agreeing with Debbie again
Yes, you need your COC. Please go through and read some of the posts of US citizens who have been detained and forced to prove citizenship because they are Hispanic. I posted a recent article within the last 2 weeks here. Could you imagine if this were your child and they would only accept your certificate for proof? Worse yet, what if they wanted it and you were now deceased? Imagine the issue your child would now face trying to get this proof together.

Your COC is what proves your citizenship and is the only document accepted for certain government requirements and foreign adoptions, should your child want to adopt internationally some day, they will not accept your US passport as your proof of citizenship. Also, if you would like them to qualify for certain scholarships your COC will be required.

As Debbie says, your child may never do any of these. They may never need to break it out, but what if they do? I wouldn't risk it, not for 400.00.

I believe the post with the article link is called:
Do I really need to spend money on a COC?

[maak]

Thank you for straightening me out on this issue. I have learned so much for the wonderful input in this forum!!