British mom, born in US, eligible for citizenship?

[sugarwafer]

My mom was born in the UK in 1961. She moved to the states as a kid, but has never claimed US citizenship. She had me in 1986 in the states. My question is...

Does this make me a citizen of the UK, or am I automatically eligible? I've read some conflicting statements about dual-citizenship and would love some clarification.

Thanks everyone.

[JAJ]

Automatically a British citizen (by descent), although you will need a British passport and/or consular birth certificate to prove it.

Is there any reason why she hasn't become an American citizen?

[sugarwafer]

Automatically a British citizen (by descent), although you will need a British passport and/or consular birth certificate to prove it.

Sorry, I'm a bit confused. I'll need to show HER passport or birth certificate to prove it? I'm assuming that's what you meant, seeing as though I wouldn't have either under normal circumstances. I'm not sure if she would have the originals, but it's obviously on file that she was born in the UK, so either of those shouldn't be too hard to obtain.

And I assume the reason she hasn't claimed citizenship here is because it doesn't negatively impact her life here. She works just fine, receives benefits just fine, etc. Only major downfall is the inability to vote, but that must not bother her much. Her family (mom included) have all moved back to the UK, and I think she just feels more comfortable knowing moving back there is always an easy option for her, too.

[parvus1202]

You can be by decent. But need proof from your mother. Go to where your mother was born and apply for a copy of BC and her british passport and go to your embassy and get more infomation how to apply. It will only be you who are qualified by decent not your children, if they were born outside the UK.

[sakura]

Automatically a British citizen (by descent), although you will need a British passport and/or consular birth certificate to prove it.

Sorry, I'm a bit confused. I'll need to show HER passport or birth certificate to prove it? I'm assuming that's what you meant, seeing as though I wouldn't have either under normal circumstances. I'm not sure if she would have the originals, but it's obviously on file that she was born in the UK, so either of those shouldn't be too hard to obtain.

And I assume the reason she hasn't claimed citizenship here is because it doesn't negatively impact her life here. She works just fine, receives benefits just fine, etc. Only major downfall is the inability to vote, but that must not bother her much. Her family (mom included) have all moved back to the UK, and I think she just feels more comfortable knowing moving back there is always an easy option for her, too.

Well, her right to remain in the US is not revocable unless she is a US citizen. Anything could happen that would require her to leave, or not allow her back as a PR. Also, if she moves back to the UK permanently, she might lose her Green Card and may have to re-apply all over again. Becoming a citizen would actually work in her favour, if she wishes to live outside the US for long periods.

As for you, I think you would need your mother's birth certificate, plus your own (and I guess passports, too). Then you should be able to apply for a passport. What do you plan to do in the UK/EU (e.g. study)?

[JAJ]

Sorry, I'm a bit confused. I'll need to show HER passport or birth certificate to prove it?

You'll need YOUR British passport to prove it. For which you need HER birth certificate.

And I assume the reason she hasn't claimed citizenship here is because it doesn't negatively impact her life here. She works just fine, receives benefits just fine, etc. Only major downfall is the inability to vote, but that must not bother her much. Her family (mom included) have all moved back to the UK, and I think she just feels more comfortable knowing moving back there is always an easy option for her, too.

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Pros_and_ ... itizenship

Is she aware that she would not lose her British citizenship?

[sugarwafer]

Ah, gotcha. Except, I don't have a British passport as of right now. She never went through the process of getting me one as a kid, so what can I do about that now?

[JAJ]

Ah, gotcha. Except, I don't have a British passport as of right now. She never went through the process of getting me one as a kid, so what can I do about that now?

Apply for one?
http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en/passports/
also http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Obtaining ... s_overseas

You may also want to get a consular birth certificate:
http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-b ... istration/