What is the citizenship status of a child born to USC parents who were both resident in the U.S. before the child's birth?

• A. Alien
• B. Jus Soli only
• C. U.S. Citizen at birth
• D. Permanent Resident

Answer: (C)

A child born to U.S. citizen parents who were both residents in the U.S. at the time of the child's birth automatically acquires U.S. citizenship at birth. This is grounded in the principle of jus sanguinis, which means "right of blood," whereby citizenship is determined by the nationality of the parents rather than the place of birth. In this scenario, since both parents are U.S. citizens, the child is granted citizenship regardless of where the birth takes place, provided the citizenship laws are fulfilled.

This situation aligns with the legal frameworks governing U.S. citizenship, which ensures that children born to U.S. citizens are recognized as citizens themselves, enabling them to enjoy the rights and privileges that come with U.S. citizenship right from birth. Thus, the correct choice indicates that the child is a U.S. citizen at birth.