The Immigration and Naturalization Service has dropped the requirement for fingerprints for children applying for naturalization under Section 322 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Section 322 allows children born outside of the United States to a US citizen parent to naturalize if they are under the age of eighteen and not otherwise ineligible to naturalize. The child must be residing permanently in the US (via a green card) and be living with the citizen parent. The normal five year residency requirement applicable to naturalization applicants does not apply in these cases. According to a report in the American Citizens Abroad News Update (available on the web at The Immigration and Naturalization Service has dropped the requirement for fingerprints for children applying for naturalization under Section 322 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Section 322 allows children born outside of the United States to a US citizen parent to naturalize if they are under the age of eighteen and not otherwise ineligible to naturalize. The child must be residing permanently in the US (via a green card) and be living with the citizen parent. The normal five year residency requirement applicable to naturalization applicants does not apply in these cases. According to a report in the American Citizens Abroad News Update (available on the web at http://www.aca.ch), the INS issued a directive to all of its field offices in the form of a cable. Parents relying on this change in policy to avoid fingerprinting should send a copy of the cable along with the naturalization application. American Citizens Abroad can supply the cable. Send e-mail to acage@aca.ch. ), the INS issued a directive to all of its field offices in the form of a cable. Parents relying on this change in policy to avoid fingerprinting should send a copy of the cable along with the naturalization application. American Citizens Abroad can supply the cable. Send e-mail to acage@aca.ch.

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