The USCIS has issued a policy alert. In this alert the USCIS has expanded the definition of Mother to include a Gestational Mother.

A Gestational Mother is not to be confused with a Surrogate Mother. A Gestational Mother is a woman who carried the child and gave birth to the child, but is not genetically related to the child. A Surrogate Mother, on the other hand, carries the child, gives birth to the child AND also supplies the egg for pregnancy.

This is a very important expansion of the definition because before, a genetic relation was a requirement in order for a child, who was born outside the United States, to acquire citizenship through his or her parent.

If you’re interested in reading the Policy Alert, click on this link. Or if you have any questions feel free to give us a call a 212-461-1467.