| PublicationDate: 12/26/96 Summary: US Citizens Born Abroad Author: PDD - Policy Development Division/PTAS Posted December 26, 1996 US Citizens Born Abroad We have received questions concerning instances when the Central Processing System (CPS) data match with the Social Security Administration (SSA) fails to confirm claims of US citizenship for some citizens who were born outside of the United States. These applicants include those born to military personnel who were on duty in another country, parents who were serving in the Peace Corps, and others who were born outside of the United States, but whose parents were US citizens. According to information provided by the US Department of State, such births should have been registered with the American Embassy at the time of birth, or before the child left the country. A "Certificate of Birth Abroad" would have been issued by the Department of State at that time providing certification of the citizenship status of the child. Whether or not the registration of birth had taken place, the SSA data base would not have automatically included the US citizenship status. It is the responsibility of the applicant (or parent) to notify the SSA, either at the time of the original application for a social security number or as an update, of their status as a US citizen. This is much the same procedure that exists for persons who become naturalized citizens after they have already obtained a social security number as a legal resident. Unless such information was provided to the SSA, these applicants will fail the citizenship confirmation of the SSA match when they file a FAFSA. When a school is notified by the CPS output (SAR or ISIR) that an applicant's claim of US citizenship could not be confirmed by the SSA, it must resolve the eligibility question prior to disbursing Title IV funds to the applicant. If the applicant claims US citizenship but indicates that he or she was not born in the US, the easiest resolution is to have the applicant contact the SSA, provide them with the needed documentation, and have the SSA update their database. The applicant can they resubmit their financial aid application through the CPS using the correction process. This action will also eliminate a future non-confirmation if the student applies for aid in subsequent years. A school may also confirm citizenship status by collecting documentation and noting the file prior to awarding Title IV aid. The "Certificate of Birth Abroad" or a "Certification of US Citizenship" are obviously the best types of documentation. According to the Department of State, individuals whose birth was registered can get a copy of the "Certificate of Birth Abroad" by writing to: Department of State Passport Correspondence Branch 1111 19th St., SW Suite 510 Washington, DC 20522-1705 The request must provide, for each person seeking a duplicate "Certificate of Birth Abroad" the following: Name at birth Date and place of birth Daytime phone number Parent's names, dates and place(s) of birth $10 fee - check or money order made out to Department of State This process takes from 4 to 8 weeks. If the birth was not registered, a self petition for a "Certification of Citizenship" (Form N-600) can be filed with the local INS office . Proof of parents' US citizenship at the time of birth must be provided. A school could also confirm the applicant's claim of US citizenship by reviewing documentation that proves that at least one of the applicant's parents was a US citizen. Such documentation should include a copy of the applicant's birth certificate (or other similar document) confirming the identity of the parent along with proof of the parent's US citizenship status. For more information about the citizenship status and documentation available for US citizens born outside of the US, applicants and schools can contact the US State Department at: (202) 955-0307. Jeff Baker, Director Policy Development Division Student Financial Assistance Programs U.S. Department of Education |