What is the citizenship status of a child born out of wedlock in 1933 to an alien mother in Mexico with a USC father?

• A. USC as a result of legitimation by marriage
• B. Alien because the mother was not a USC
• C. USC due to the father’s citizenship status
• D. Alien since the child was born abroad

Answer: (A)

The citizenship status of a child born out of wedlock in 1933 to an alien mother in Mexico and a U.S. citizen father is determined by the laws regarding citizenship and legitimation at that time. According to U.S. law, particularly under the Immigration and Nationality Act, a child born out of wedlock can acquire U.S. citizenship from a citizen father if certain conditions are met.

In 1933, if the father established paternity and legitimized the child through marriage or other means, the child would be considered a U.S. citizen. The concept of legitimation is crucial here; it allows a child born out of wedlock to gain the citizenship of the father who is a U.S. citizen, assuming there was recognition of the paternity. Therefore, the child is a U.S. citizen due to the father's citizenship status, provided that the father took appropriate steps for legitimation.

The reasoning surrounding this choice correlates directly with the historical context and legal framework of the time, emphasizing the role of the father's citizenship and legitimation processes in determining the child's citizenship status.