A new law, the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 (Public Law 106 which was signed October 30, allows certain blind and disabled children to become U.S. citizens more quickly and, therefore, eligible for Supplemental Security Income benefits sooner.

The law amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide automatic U.S. citizenship to a child born outside the United States if:
• at least one parent is a U.S. citizen;
• the child is under 18 years old; and
• the child is residing in the United States in the legal and physical custody of the citizen parent pursuant to a lawful admission for permanent residence.

The law also applies to some children who are adopted by a U. S. citizen parent. The provisions are effective 180 days after enactment.