Big news—my wife and stepson officially became U.S. citizens today! Hooray and Halelu-Yah!
But here’s where things get interesting… A friend of mine claims my stepson is technically without proof of status unless I spend $1,200 to get a specific document that shows he met all the legal custody requirements before turning 18—just in case he ever loses his passport after 18.
Now maybe the rules have changed with the rollout of biometric IDs (even though they've been issuing those for years), but I’ve read the law myself. It says clearly that a photocopy of a valid U.S. passport, as long as it includes all the required information listed in the statute, along with a $165 fee, is sufficient. No $1,200 needed.
Still, my friend insists—based on paid legal advice—that spending the $1,200 fusd for this document now, is critical "just in case" for future protection.