Expired US Passport as Proof of Citizenship

[hellostranger57 18]

Hello,

I am gathering my joint sponsor's documents for the affidavit of support for me. My aunt is a naturalized citizen of the US. Her US Passport already expired in 2011. What other ways can she prove her citizenship? Is an expired US passport sufficient proof of citizenship?

She is apprehensive to submit a photocopy of her Naturalization certificate because it specifically states at the bottom that it is illegal to photocopy the certificate.

Is it legal to photocopy the naturalization certificate for immigration purpose only?

Thank you!!

[Fhmaya 0]

I found this from an ex-uscis rep on yahoo answers

"Although a certificate of citizenship contains a warning citing that it cannot be copied, for immigration purposes & proof of identification reasons, then you may make a copy of your certificate. However, any other reasons will be punishable by law (such as simply making a copy to give to a friend for some reason, for fraudulent purposes, etc.)..."

I am preparing my AOS as well. Good luck

[Hypnos 6,576]

The warning means that it's illegal to copy the certificate and then pass it off as an original. It's legal to make a copy under other circumstances. Some people make them black and white for that purpose (to clearly show it's a copy).

[hellostranger57 18]

Thank you for your responses!

If she chooses to just provide a copy of her expired US passport, is that still enough proof of her US citizenship?

I know that passport renewal takes a lot of time. We are looking into filing our AOS within this week or next at the very latest.

[subwayguy 100]

It means it's illegal to duplicate that certificate. It doesn't mean it's illegal to make a copy . English is a dynamic language.

[Hypnos 6,576]

An expired US passport is not usually considered proof of US citizenship; the passport would need to be renewed first or an alternative proof obtained.

[superduperfriend 1]

Well maybe at least you can write the number of her naturalization certificate or tell her to search online so she can convince herself that a xerox is ok for the purpose of proving citizenship

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

The biographical page of the US passport can be used to prove US citizenship. Won't matter if it is expired. You have to be a USC to get a US passport, so it still works as proof of citizenship. The instructions do not state it must be unexpired.

Proof of U.S. citizen or national status includes a copy of your birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, certificate
of citizenship, consular report of birth abroad to citizen parents, or a copy of the biographic data page of your U.S.
passport.

http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-864instr.pdf

[Anonymous885 44]

This is a question on travel state gov website http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports/FAQs.html

I'm renewing my passport. Do I get the old one back?

"Yes, we will return the old, cancelled passport to you. It may be sent separately from your new passport. It is a good idea to keep your old passport in a safe place as it is considered proof of your U.S. citizenship".

I am not sure if USCIS will use that statement as a whole.

[hellostranger57 18]

Hello everyone,

My aunt finally succumbed and gave me a copy of her naturalization certificate. I had to ask my lawyer and he said that providing a copy of the naturalization certificate for proof of citizenship purposes is legal. It would only be illegal for fraudulent purposes, obviously.

Thank you for all your responses!