US may ask parents to prove citizenship when applying for children's passports
The US State Department is considering a rule that would require parents or guardians to submit proof of their own citizenship or immigration status when applying for a US passport for a child born in the United States, according to draft guidance seen by Reuters. The move ties into President Trump’s August 6 executive order aimed at limiting birthright citizenship in certain cases, such as when a parent works for a foreign government, is involved in fraud, or is classified as an "alien enemy."
For Nigerians who have children born in the US—whether through birth tourism, temporary work, or residence—the change could mean extra paperwork and possible delays. Currently, parents only need to show their relationship to the child and a valid ID; they are not usually asked to furnish documentary evidence of their own status. Under the proposed rule, acceptable documents would include a US passport, birth certificate, I‑94 arrival record, or a green card.
The rule is still under review and not yet in effect, but if you plan to apply for a child’s US passport soon, you may want to gather the relevant documents now to avoid last‑minute scrambling. Keep an eye on official State Department announcements for the final decision and effective date. Legal challenges to the executive order are already underway, which could delay or block the implementation of these new requirements.