U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Lawyers in Dallas, TX
There are several legal paths to becoming a United States citizen. The most well-known is citizenship through birth. Birthright citizenship in the U. S. is governed by the Fourteenth Amendment’s Citizenship Clause, which states that “all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.”
Other legal paths include naturalization, derivative citizenship, or adoption, each with unique legal and procedural requirements.
At Coleman Jackson, P.C., our Dallas-based attorneys guide clients through every step, providing strategic planning, thorough documentation, and strong advocacy to achieve your citizenship goals.
Birthright Citizenship
Birthright citizenship is automatically granted to individuals born in the United States under the Fourteenth Amendment. While this path is generally straightforward, it still requires proper documentation and verification to confirm eligibility under U.S. law.
Naturalization
Naturalization is the legal process by which noncitizens acquire U.S. citizenship after meeting the statutory requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), including:
- Lawful permanent resident (LPR) status
- Continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S.
- Demonstration of good moral character
- Knowledge of U.S. history and government
Our attorneys help clients navigate the application, supporting evidence, and citizenship examination requirements.
Derivative Citizenship
Derivative citizenship allows children born abroad to acquire U.S. citizenship when one or both parents naturalize. Under the INA, automatic citizenship may occur through:
- Naturalization of both parents
- Naturalization of a surviving parent if one parent is deceased; or
- Naturalization of the parent with legal custody following a legal separation
Derivative citizenship can be complex, depending on strict age, custody, and residency requirements. Our Dallas immigration lawyers help families with eligibility, evidence collection, and procedural requirements.
Citizenship Through Adoption
Before 2001, adopted children could derive U.S. citizenship under 8 U.S.C. § 1432(b) if their adoptive parent naturalized while they were under 18, living in the United States as lawful permanent residents. This law was replaced and simplified by the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 (CCA), which took effect on February 27, 2001.
Under the CCA, a foreign-born child adopted by a U.S. citizen automatically acquires U.S. citizenship if the following conditions are met before the child’s 18th birthday:
- At least one U.S. citizen parent (by birth or naturalization)
- The child is lawfully admitted to the United States as a permanent resident
- The child is residing in the U.S. in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent
Why You Need a Skilled U.S. Citizenship Lawyer
Proving citizenship through any of these paths requires careful documentation and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.
For over a century, birthright citizenship has been considered settled law. The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Wong Kim Ark (1898) ruled that birthright citizenship applies to individuals born on U.S. soil, even if their parents were foreign nationals unable to naturalize. Courts have consistently held that principle.
But American law is never really settled. In recent years, challenges to birthright citizenship have emerged, most notably through Executive Order No. 14160 (2025), which seeks to limit birthright citizenship for certain individuals born in the U.S. under specific conditions. These shifting policies and interpretations present new, complex challenges for individuals seeking to confirm or defend their citizenship status.
For these reasons, working with a knowledgeable immigration attorney is essential. A skilled U.S. citizenship lawyer can help you:
- Evaluate your eligibility under current immigration and citizenship laws
- Interpret administrative and constitutional developments affecting your case
- Gather and present the evidence necessary to prove your claim to citizenship
- Submit Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and conduct legal research to uncover relevant records
- Prepare for the naturalization examination, which has become increasingly detailed and rigorous
- Represent you in administrative or judicial proceedings if citizenship is challenged or denied
Why Choose Coleman Jackson, P.C.?
At Coleman Jackson, P.C., our Dallas-based immigration and citizenship attorneys combine decades of experience with personalized, compassionate counsel. As your counselors, negotiators, and advocates, we guide you through every step of your path to citizenship—whether you are confirming citizenship by birth or pursuing it through naturalization, derivation, or adoption.
Our team helps you:
- Understand and meet all citizenship eligibility requirements
- Prepare and file citizenship applications with complete supporting documentation
- Address complex state and local tax (SALT), international tax, or federal tax compliance issues that may affect your citizenship case
- Receive other advocacy services if challenges arise in your case
Ready to Take the Next Step Toward U.S. Citizenship?
Contact the experienced U.S. citizenship attorneys at Coleman Jackson, P.C. today at (214) 599-0431 to discuss your case and begin your path to U.S. citizenship.
