Having a Baby in America

If you have an American baby, there are a few things you should know concerning due process and your baby's legal standing as an American citizen.

Citizenship

Your child automatically becomes a US citizen because he or she was born on American soil, but it doesn't automatically grant you the coveted blue passport. When your child turns 18, he or she may eventually apply to sponsor you, but delivering a baby in America should not be considered as the easy way to become a citizen.

Birth Certificate

Rules vary in different countries, but for a baby in America, the hospital where your baby was born will send his birth record to the County Clerk and they will usually send you the birth certificate (and additional copies for a fee if requested) in the mail. You need not worry about having to stand in line with an infant for a birth certificate.

Name

In many countries, parents have up to a month or sometimes even longer to decide on a name for their baby. In the US, it is highly recommended to have finalized a name before hand as you need to enter it in the paperwork for the birth record the very same day.

Social Security Number

Similarly, the hospital can apply for a social security number for your child after you have filled out some forms. If the parents do not have a social security number, some rules and terms and conditions may vary. Check www.ssa.gov or ask your hospital administration for help.

Insurance

Even if your child was born in a county hospital as an emergency procedure and you do not have medical insurance in the US, you may want to consider enrolling your child in a state vaccination program as he will need to get a required amount of shots in the first year alone. Paying them out of pocket may become expensive.

If you are permanent residents or on a work visa in the US, your paperwork should be even easier. Add the baby on to your health insurance within 24 hours of her birth. Have a pediatrician chosen before hand in case there are any complications. Add the baby to your will and after all this is done – relax and enjoy gazing in to the precious eyes of your American baby.