CAP Verifying Citizenship

[Airman De Ruiter]

So, for the CAPF 15(I think that's what it's called, the cadet application form) I need my Social Security number. I wasn't born in the U.S., but I am legally a citizen by way of my mother naturalizing to become a U.S. citizen. I was never issue a a Social Security Number an to get one I need to provide proof of citizenship. To get a Certificate of Citizenship, I need $600 for the fee. Given my means, I won't be able to have that for 4-6 months. I'd rather not lose a chance at 8-12 promotions, so can anyone think of a way to get CAP to get this beuracracy squared away a little more easier and cheaper(given that it is a government-affiliated organization)?

[Cool Mace]

I won't be of much help on this.

But you won't miss out on 8-12 promotions in 4-6 months.
With 2 years of JROTC, you may promote once per month up to C/2nd Lt. With Unit CC approval of course.
So you would miss out on max of 6.

[The CyBorg is destroyed]

Do you have a U.S. Passport?  That is a universally-accepted proof of citizenship.

[Airman De Ruiter]

I won't be of much help on this.

But you won't miss out on 8-12 promotions in 4-6 months.
With 2 years of JROTC, you may promote once per month up to C/2nd Lt. With Unit CC approval of course.
So you would miss out on max of 6.

That still makes me
That along with not being able to go to encampment, SAREX's, PT, plus the group of other "member" only activities.



And no, I don't have a passport.

[Майор Хаткевич]

I think you need the adults to deal with adult matters.

I joined CAP in May of 2003 via Green card. I was eligible for a SSN the same day my green card was issued (2001).

I bought my citizenship in 2010, having been in CAP for 7 years.

If you are a naturalized citizen by way of your mother, then you do not need to get a Certificate of Citizenship with a "$600 fee" as that is the cost of the whole naturalization process. Have the adults deal with this, and if necessary get the proper advice from a professional, because what you are writing does not compute. 

[Airman De Ruiter]

I have. I have had my squadron's SM's, my legal guardian, and all other resources I can. So far "the adults" have come to $600 conclusion. Now, I want to see if any alternatives exist that you guys can think of.

[Майор Хаткевич]

If you are a naturalized citizen by way of your mother, then you do not need to get a Certificate of Citizenship with a "$600 fee" as that is the cost of the whole naturalization process. Have the adults deal with this, and if necessary get the proper advice from a professional, because what you are writing does not compute.

How did you get to the US? Visa? Green card?

[Airman De Ruiter]

I don't have a Green Card or Visa. I am a minor and came in with my mother. My mother was a foreign national and then became a citizen. And I understand that I should get help from a professional of this field. I can't afford that. The best I can hope is that my self-lawyering will solve it or, in this case, that someone here will know something helpful.

[spaatzmom]

How does your parent do their tax return claiming you as a dependent without a SSN for you?  For the last twenty years or so a SSN has been required for each child listed on a return.  If you are a ward of the court and they are aware of your mothers naturalization, then the court appointed liaison for you should have filed the proper paperwork already.  If they have not done so, how are you able to partake of any services to include schooling and medical?

Regardless, don't ask here where few if any will know.  Go straight to the only real source and call Social Security themselves.

[Airman De Ruiter]

My mother hasn't claimed me on her taxes. I haven't necessarily lived with her my whole life. Either way, I now have a legal guardian(who is a natural citizen) that has done her best to figure this out. After calling SS, they can't do anything without proof of citizenship. They have no record of me. I have no papers except for transcripts and a certified foreign birth certificate.

And coming here is my only option. As I've said, I'm exhausting all free options.


Halp.
Someone's got to have some legal or anecdotal experience with this.

[Eclipse]

How did you join AFJROTC?

http://www.af.mil/information/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=4650

http://www.au.af.mil/au/holmcenter/AFJROTC/Brochure.asp

You have to be a citizen or lawfully admitted.

[Майор Хаткевич]

I don't have a Green Card or Visa. I am a minor and came in with my mother. My mother was a foreign national and then became a citizen. And I understand that I should get help from a professional of this field. I can't afford that. The best I can hope is that my self-lawyering will solve it or, in this case, that someone here will know something helpful.

I came here as a minor. I had a visa. You have to have some sort of visa status to be here legally, which, if it is a permanent basis visa, you should be able to get a SSN. Citizenship, again, is not a pre-requisite for a SSN. On citizenship, if your parent/legal guardian (who has to be a legal permanent guardian), became a citizen during your time here, then you would get a citizenship certificate at the same time. Filing for it is required, otherwise, you are here without a status.

[Devil Doc]

usafaux2004 Your a Foreigner!!! Knew there was something fishy about you 

BTW Airman, do you have a Drivers License? School ID? ID Card? If not, how in the heck do you not get deported without a VISA, Green Card etc? Something is either wrong with the system, or your lucky.

[Airman De Ruiter]

By signing up for the course during registration. I am very fully an official Cadet in AFJROTC. I have rank, ribbons, badges, chords, and press appearances on behalf of my squadron. They don't actually verify citizenship. Neither did they in my old NJROTC battalion.




As for coming here without a visa. I did. Regardless of what might be required, it happened. And I was not issued a Certificate of Citizenship upon her naturalization.

usafaux2004 Your a Foreigner!!! Knew there was something fishy about you 

BTW Airman, do you have a Drivers License? School ID? ID Card? If not, how in the heck do you not get deported without a VISA, Green Card etc? Something is either wrong with the system, or your lucky.

I don't have anything official, just a school I.D. The school requested an SS, they didn't get one.

[CAP4117]

Airman, I think it would be a good idea to not post anything else here about this matter. You don't want all of this floating around in public, and we really aren't equipped to help you with this sort of thing (unless someone here is secretly an immigration lawyer). I know finances are an issue, but I think you need to do your best to contact some sort of professional about this. Be persistent - I'm sure there is someone you can talk to.

[Devil Doc]

INS INS!!!! Naa Just Kidding.

[Cliff_Chambliss]

Something here does not pass the smell test.   My mother brought me to the USA as a small child.  Even though my Father was a US Citizen and already married to my Mother she and I both had "Green Cards".  Taking the Green Card to the local Social Security Office I had my SS Card in less than 30 minutes.

Have you actually asked your mother or are you just assuming?

[Airman De Ruiter]

I have verified all this. I have gone through all the channels I can. My father and mother were both European. My father passed before my birth. My
Mother moved to the U.S. when I was 2. She later got married to an American police officer and got her citizenship. She never filed for anything for me not was I issued anything. The only way I see is to pay the $600 for the Certificate of Citizenship. The only reason I need that is to get my SSN. I have no papers, except for my certified birth certificate. I am legally a citizen, I just have no proof. All I need is that SSN and I'm golden. Is there any way that CAP, since it's government-affiliated, can get the paperwork straightened out? $600 is slightly...steep.

[cap235629]

I have verified all this. I have gone through all the channels I can. My father and mother were both European. My father passed before my birth. My
Mother moved to the U.S. when I was 2. She later got married to an American police officer and got her citizenship. She never filed for anything for me not was I issued anything. The only way I see is to pay the $600 for the Certificate of Citizenship. The only reason I need that is to get my SSN. I have no papers, except for my certified birth certificate. I am legally a citizen, I just have no proof. All I need is that SSN and I'm golden. Is there any way that CAP, since it's government-affiliated, can get the paperwork straightened out? $600 is slightly...steep.

UMMMM, Hate to break it to you, you are NOT a US citizen.  At the time of your birth both of your parents were citizens of another country, presumably the country of your birth.  Just because your mother subsequently became a citizen has no bearing on YOUR status.  If one of your parents was a US citizen at the time of your birth, you could be a citizen by registering a foreign birth to a US national. 

I would start saving cans if I were you and get that $600 as fast as you can.  College is right around the corner and you are in for a rude awakening

[CAP4117]

She never filed for anything for me not was I issued anything. [...] I have no papers, except for my certified birth certificate.

This is exactly the type of thing you shouldn't be posting.
I really don't think this is something CAP can help you with. You say you have gone through all the channels. I highly doubt that is the case - do some more searching.

[Airman De Ruiter]

I have verified all this. I have gone through all the channels I can. My father and mother were both European. My father passed before my birth. My
Mother moved to the U.S. when I was 2. She later got married to an American police officer and got her citizenship. She never filed for anything for me not was I issued anything. The only way I see is to pay the $600 for the Certificate of Citizenship. The only reason I need that is to get my SSN. I have no papers, except for my certified birth certificate. I am legally a citizen, I just have no proof. All I need is that SSN and I'm golden. Is there any way that CAP, since it's government-affiliated, can get the paperwork straightened out? $600 is slightly...steep.

UMMMM, Hate to break it to you, you are NOT a US citizen.  At the time of your birth both of your parents were citizens of another country, presumably the country of your birth.  Just because your mother subsequently became a citizen has no bearing on YOUR status.  If one of your parents was a US citizen at the time of your birth, you could be a citizen by registering a foreign birth to a US national. 

I would start saving cans if I were you and get that $600 as fast as you can.  College is right around the corner and you are in for a rude awakening

From my understanding of the law, me being her legal responsibility at the time of the naturalization legally makes me a citizen. I know you're an adult, but with all due respect, I don't believe that you are correct.

P.S.
I'm not going to college, enlisting on my 17th birthday. 



And all right, it was worth the shot anyway. Thanks to everyone who tried to help.

[spaatzmom]

Since CAP has absolutely nothing to do with immigration, one would have to say that would be a huge no.  There are fee waivers that you can apply for to reduce the application fees.  Also there is a big problem with getting the CoC.  You must have proof that you were admitted to the US legally and that means green card.  See  http://cliniclegal.org/sites/default/files/231718_CLINIC_08.pdf    under derivation of citizenship.  No matter what you need to call an immigration lawyer.

I am not getting how you were admitted into the states with your mom but without proper paperwork unless you were stuffed into her luggage.  Requesting a copy of her immigration file might give you a few more answers than you presently have.

[abdsp51]

You are not a lawyer do you really want to place your own well being in jeopardy because of your understanding of the law?  Find a immigration attorney and talk to them.  Trying to prove your point here and argue your side does nothing for you. 

[Eclipse]

It's doubtful you'll be enlisting anywhere in the US without the ability to prove your legal residency or citizenship.

If your story is true, there are people in your school district who can help you, but I doubt we're getting half the necessary details.

Whatever the outcome, you better start working on this soon, because it'll be no military, no legal jobs, probably not even  college until it's fixed one way or the other.

[Devil Doc]

I do know one guy that has a suspicous birth certificate and SSN, He lives in a big White House? Hate to tell ya bud, No Citizenship, no Military. I bet your on a traveling VISA, and just never returned. If you MOM Married an American Police Officer, he can adopt you, which would make you an American citizen. Other than that, good luck.

[spaatzmom]

Derivative Citizenship - Citizenship conveyed to children through the naturalization of parents or, under certain circumstances, to foreign-born children adopted by U.S. citizen parents, provided certain conditions are met.

A child who is regularly residing IN the United States can become a citizen of the United States only by meeting certain requirements. If a child regularly resides in the United States and is not a lawful permanent resident, he or she cannot acquire citizenship automatically until he or she is granted lawful permanent residence. If a child who has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence fails to qualify for citizenship under the provisions of law, the child may apply for naturalization by filing an N-400 after reaching 18 years of age, provided that he or she has the required 5 years of lawful permanent residence.

Lawful permanent residence means green card, not waltzing in and staying no matter what age you were on arrival.

[Eclipse]

^ Yeah, this issue is >kind<, of a big deal right now.  I think it might have even been in the news or something.

[Майор Хаткевич]

I'm thinking he's either NOT communicating with the adults in this, or it's one of the expired visa cases. Either way, take it to a professional (Lawyer, etc).

[JayT]

I do know one guy that has a suspicious birth certificate and SSN, He lives in a big White House?

I'm praying that's a joke.

Is there any reason any of us are communicating with this poster? I smell a very elaborate troll.

[Майор Хаткевич]

I do know one guy that has a suspicious birth certificate and SSN, He lives in a big White House?

I'm praying that's a joke.

Is there any reason any of us are communicating with this poster? I smell a very elaborate troll.

I'm sick and missing CAP/Work. What else can I do?

[Eclipse]

Netflix!  I just discovered the Spectre! He was tacked onto a DC Superman movie!

[FW]

You don't have to be a citizen to be a cadet in CAP.  However, you do need a waiver from NHQ/PMM  as per CAPR 39-2.   The waiver request should go through the "chain of command" with your application.  I don't see any problems getting a waiver if you are a minor and, your mom is a US citizen. 

[Airman De Ruiter]

I do know one guy that has a suspicious birth certificate and SSN, He lives in a big White House?

I'm praying that's a joke.

Is there any reason any of us are communicating with this poster? I smell a very elaborate troll.

No, actually all I want is a set of numbers that will allow me to get back what I put in to CAP. I am not trolling. I just want to fully be among your ranks.

...which in this country, doesn't seem possible for under $600.

[Devil Doc]

I do know one guy that has a suspicious birth certificate and SSN, He lives in a big White House?

I'm praying that's a joke.

Is there any reason any of us are communicating with this poster? I smell a very elaborate troll.

Of course its a Joke? Maybe? Dosn't matter it beyond my paygrade anyway.

As to the OP take the citizenship test, or get adopted.

[Eclipse]

Seriously, the attitude again.

You need to dial it down if you expect any kind of military career or even a pleasant. cadet experience somewhere.

The failure of those responsible for your well being to act properly and in your best interest is not the fault of CAP or anyone here. 

Either fix it, or don't, but quit acting like you are put upon to do what should have been done years ago. You say you're already in two other cadet programs (possibly in violation of their regs and your ethics) so its not like you already aren't reaping the benefits of paramilitary training. 

If you're in JROTC, that means you must be at least 15. Start acting your age, accept the situation and act accordingly.
And as a minor, this should not even be your problem to start.  This is something your guardians should handle for you.

[Pylon]

Read the post above yours; you do not need an SSN to join CAP.  Inquire about the waiver for CAP, per the CAP Membership regulation. Separate issue.

But nonetheless, you'll need to get this paperwork and documentation issue sorted out before you can join the military and just so you don't get deported.  I'd still see an immigration lawyer.  If you can't afford one, find the Legal Aid society in your home area and contact them.  These are lawyers who donate their time to help people with cases like yours who lack the means to fund it.

A place like this (http://www.lacsn.org/) or something similar should be near you.  We are not lawyers on CAPTalk (well, most of us anyway).  We cannot give you good legal advice.  You need legal advice.  See a lawyer.


--
I'm locking this thread because I don't think we need to get into the murky area of doling out legal opinions.