Born Abroad, American by Law: Should You Register Your Child?

November 8, 2025 - Participants include:

 

Virginia La Torre Jeker - @VLJeker

 

John Richardson - @ExpatriationLaw

 

Prologue:

8 U.S. Code § 1401 - Nationals and citizens of United States at birth

"The following shall be nationals and citizens of the United States at birth:

(g)

a person born outside the geographical limits of the United States and its outlying possessions of parents one of whom is an alien, and the other a citizen of the United States who, prior to the birth of such person, was physically present in the United States or its outlying possessions for a period or periods totaling not less than five years, at least two of which were after attaining the age of fourteen years: Provided, That any periods of honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States, or periods of employment with the United States Government or with an international organization as that term is defined in section 288 of title 22 by such citizen parent, or any periods during which such citizen parent is physically present abroad as the dependent unmarried son or daughter and a member of the household of a person (A) honorably serving with the Armed Forces of the United States, or (B) employed by the United States Government or an international organization as defined in section 288 of title 22, may be included in order to satisfy the physical-presence requirement of this paragraph. This proviso shall be applicable to persons born on or after December 24, 1952, to the same extent as if it had become effective in its present form on that date; and"

 

The Podcast/discussion ...

"To register or not to register, that is the question ... whether tis better to ..."

 

AI generated description:

 

John Richardson and tax lawyer Virginia La Torre - Jeker discuss the rights and risks when a child is born abroad to a U.S. parent — how citizenship is transmitted by law, the role of a Consular Report of Birth Abroad and U.S. passport, and practical issues like obtaining a Social Security number and traveling to the United States without having registered as a U.S. citizen.

The episode also covers tax and reporting consequences (FBAR, FATCA, information returns), financial institution screening, dual nationality concerns, and planning options including later renunciation and steps families can take to reduce unexpected U.S. tax and reporting burdens.