Full Guide to Baby Documentation and Citizenship Issues in the U.S.｜Birth Certificate, Passport, Citizenship, and Immigration Explained

As more and more families choose to have children in the U.S., handling documentation and citizenship for newborns has become a major concern for expectant parents. Today, Jiaduobao is here to explain everything you need to know: from birth certificates, passports, and Social Security Numbers, to future family immigration options — including key details and agency services you might need.

A Baby Born in the U.S. Is Automatically a U.S. Citizen

According to the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, any baby born on U.S. soil automatically acquires U.S. citizenship — regardless of whether the birth was through surrogacy or natural childbirth. It doesn't matter who the surrogate is or what nationality the parents have — the baby is a U.S. citizen at birth, with full rights to a U.S. passport and other entitlements.

Prepare the Birth Certificate Before Birth — No Surrogate’s Name Included

In Jiaduobao’s U.S. surrogacy programs, our legal team ensures that before the baby is born, a pre-birth parentage order is obtained from the court. This guarantees that the birth certificate will list only the intended parents’ names, not the surrogate's. The hospital and state government issue the birth certificate a few days after the baby is born. We fully handle the application to ensure everything is complete and correct.

Parents Can Apply for Green Cards After the Child Turns 21

Many families ask: "Since my baby is a U.S. citizen, can the parents immigrate?"

The answer is yes — but only after the child turns 21. At that point, the child, as a U.S. citizen, can sponsor the parents for green cards. While waiting, some families may choose other legal immigration pathways, like fast-track investment immigration, to secure status earlier.

Jiaduobao offers exclusive immigration services that are fast, legal, and lottery-free, helping parents join their children in the U.S. sooner. As of now, political developments (such as Trump’s return to politics) have not impacted these legal processes. We will continue to monitor policy changes to protect our clients' interests.

Further Reading: Introduction to Fast Investment Immigration Programs

Are Babies Born via Birth Tourism Also U.S. Citizens?

Yes. Not just surrogacy — any baby born in the U.S. qualifies for U.S. citizenship based on the principle of jus soli (birthright citizenship). Thus, babies born during "birth tourism" trips enjoy the same rights and citizenship as those born through surrogacy.

Checklist of Essential Documents for Babies Born in the U.S. & How to Handle Them

Once a baby is born in the U.S., they automatically become a citizen. Next, you must apply for the following essential documents:

1. U.S. Birth Certificate

• ✅ Purpose: Legal proof of birth in the U.S., foundation for all further documentation.　
• 📝 Contents: Baby’s name, date and place of birth, parents’ names.　
• 📍 How to Apply: Hospital submits the application. Original certificate is usually available in 5–10 days.　

Jiaduobao can assist in requesting multiple originals and obtaining apostille certification. For surrogacy cases, we ensure the pre-birth or post-birth order is completed so parents can directly collect the birth certificate.

2. U.S. Passport

• ✅ Purpose: Necessary for international travel.　
• 📝 Required Documents: Birth certificate, parents' passport copies, baby’s photo, etc.　
• 📍 How to Apply: 　　
  • Visit a nearby passport center (Post Office or Passport Agency).　
  • Jiaduobao can also arrange expedited services through legal/agency representatives.　

3. Social Security Number (SSN)

• ✅ Purpose: Required for taxes, healthcare, education funds, and more.　
• 📍 How to Apply: 　　
  • Some hospitals allow automatic SSN application with the birth certificate.　
  • Alternatively, apply later at a local SSA office.　

Jiaduobao offers full assistance and progress tracking.

4. Chinese Travel Document or Entry Documents (for Chinese Citizenship Parents)

• ✅ Purpose: For babies needing to return to China — U.S. citizens cannot get a Chinese passport, so they need a Chinese Travel Document. China does not recognize the legality of surrogacy.
• 📝 Special Note: 　　
  • If both parents are Chinese citizens without U.S. permanent residency, the baby can get a Chinese Travel Document.　
  • If either parent is a foreign national or green card holder, only a Chinese visa may be issued (requiring surrender of the U.S. passport for entry).　
  • Proof of parent-child relationship is required (e.g., court orders + DNA tests).　
  • The Chinese Travel Document is valid for 2 years.　
• 📍 How to Apply: 　　
  • Make an appointment at the nearest Chinese consulate.　
  • Submit the birth certificate, parents' IDs, baby’s photo, etc.　
  • Both parents must appear or submit notarized authorization forms.　

Jiaduobao can help prepare documents and arrange consulate appointments.

5. Apostille of Birth Certificate

• ✅ Purpose: Required if the birth certificate will be used internationally (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Europe, etc.).　
• 📍 How to Apply: Issued by the state government where the baby was born.　

Jiaduobao can fully handle the apostille process and provide translations in multiple languages (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, etc.).

6. Taiwan TECRO Document Authentication (Verification)

If you intend to use the U.S. birth certificate in Taiwan (for household registration, national health insurance, education, etc.), it must go through Taiwan’s TECRO authentication.This process is for the Taiwanese government to recognize the authenticity and legal validity of the U.S. birth certificate.

Steps:

• First, obtain the Apostille from the state government.　
• Then submit the apostilled document to the nearest Taiwanese Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO).　

📍 Common Offices:

• Los Angeles TECRO (Southern California)　
• Houston TECRO (Texas)　
• New York / San Francisco TECRO　

📄 Required Documents:

• Apostilled birth certificate original or copy　
• Certification application form (downloadable from TECRO websites)　
• Copies of parents' Taiwan passport or ID (for linking relationship)　

⛳ After authentication, the document will have TECRO’s official stamp and can be used legally in Taiwan.

Differences Between Natural Birth vs. Surrogacy for Documentation

• Natural Birth: Simple process — parents' names directly listed on the birth certificate, no complicated legal steps needed.　
• Surrogacy Birth: Requires extra legal procedures (parentage orders and parent identity confirmation). International surrogacy also needs certified and notarized birth certificates to ensure legal validity abroad.　

FAQ

Q1: Must I get Apostille before applying for Taiwan certification?
Yes. Taiwan TECRO only accepts documents that have already been apostilled.

Q2: Can Jiaduobao handle everything for me?
Absolutely! We offer full non-stop international certification services — surrogacy parents don't even need to travel to the U.S. Jiaduobao will take care of all your baby's documentation.

From birth certificates, passports, SSNs, to travel documents and notarizations — Jiaduobao’s dedicated team handles everything one-on-one, allowing new parents to focus on recovery and bonding without worrying about complicated paperwork. If you want to know more, please contact Line/wechat: jdbmom828(whatsapp:+1 828-866-8886).