Uncle Sam Offers Green Cards to Diplomats' US-Born Babies
Published Date: 9/9/2026
Rule
Summary
Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is amending its regulations to permit children born in the United States to "foreign government employees" who are not U.S. citizens to register for permanent residence. DHS is also making corresponding changes to Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status and Form G-325R, Biographic Information (Registration).
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
New Option to Register LPR at Birth
USCIS now lets children born in the United States to non-U.S. citizen "foreign government employees" register as lawful permanent residents. This change is effective September 4, 2026 and applies only to children born on or after that date.
Estimated Filing and Biometrics Costs to Comply
DHS estimates costs for the two registration pathways: Form G-325R currently has no filing fee, a 2.5‑hour completion time, and total per‑person compliance cost including biometrics of $340.15. Filing Form I-485 (to register as a lawful permanent resident) has estimated time burdens of 6.86 hours (paper) and 6.09 hours (e-file), filing fees of $1,440 (paper) or $1,390 (e-file), and total per‑person costs of $1,993.65 (paper) and $1,905.95 (e‑file) including biometrics.
Who Counts as 'Foreign Government Employee'
DHS defines "foreign government employee" consistent with E.O. 14418 to include ambassadors; persons employed by a foreign embassy or consulate who are nationals of that foreign country; persons employed by a foreign government in an official capacity; and persons employed by certain international organizations with immunity. DHS also lists exclusions such as personal attendants, contractors not in A or G status, third‑country nationals working for a foreign government, and other specified categories.
Registration Is Voluntary but Registration Duties Remain
Registering as a lawful permanent resident under the new rule is voluntary. However, individuals born to foreign government employees who are not U.S. citizens remain subject to 8 U.S.C. 1302 and must register as aliens when required by law; children must re‑register and provide fingerprints within 30 days after reaching age 14.
Rule Applies Only to New Births After Sept 4, 2026
The rule applies only to children born in the United States on or after September 4, 2026; children born before that date remain subject to the old regulations. The change is explicitly prospective and non‑retroactive.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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