N-600 & Passport or N-400?

[chezabelle]

I'm not sure as to whether or not I file the N-400 or N-600.

I'm 22 now. But five years ago when my mother became a naturalized citizen I was 17. I have also had a green card since I was 8. My father left in 2003, so I was under my mother's custody--but there's no paperwork regarding custody or a separation.

If I'm eligible to file the N-600, would it be possible to just get a passport now and the certificate of citizenship a year or two down the line?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Edited to add: I spoke with my mom and she said even though it seems as if I'm a US citizen I shouldn't file the N-600, I should file the N-400. Something about a friend of her's having to refile her kids' N-600 after something went wrong. I know a number of things might have gone wrong there, but the same could be said for the N-400 right? Is one any easier or less of a hassle than the other?

 

[nkm-oct23]

It appears that you already are a US citizen. If you can prove that you lived with your mother when she naturalized, you can get a US passport directly. Fill out DS-11 and provide your original green card, original birth certificate, mother's certificate of naturalization/passport. For custody you can show school records and proof that you mother and you had the same address (mothers driver license will do).
N-600 is for a certificate of citizenship which is another way to prove US citizenship. It is not mandatory to get it. Don't waste $460 on it, get a US passport.

 

[WBH]

N-600 is for a certificate of citizenship which is another way to prove US citizenship. It is not mandatory to get it. Don't waste $460 on it, get a US passport.

Someone here posted he once got passport with parents' certificate and his own GC. Later he applied for N-600
and the INS denied it for some reason. So he applied for naturalization via N400 himself. Of course he had to explain
somethinsg on N400 (He must answer Yes to that ever claim to be a US citizen quesiton)

So to make sure you are a citizen recognized by the government, either you should go for passport+N600 or
N400 but not just passport.

 

[nkm-oct23]

Someone here posted he once got passport with parents' certificate and his own GC. Later he applied for N-600
and the INS denied it for some reason. So he applied for naturalization via N400 himself. Of course he had to explain
somethinsg on N400 (He must answer Yes to that ever claim to be a US citizen quesiton)

So to make sure you are a citizen recognized by the government, either you should go for passport+N600 or
N400 but not just passport.

A US passport is as valid as any other document to prove US citizenship. that is the law as written in US Code. In OP's case citizenship is not something that a government agency (like USCIS) grants. It is acquired by action of law as written in US code (just like US citizenship is acquired by birth in the US).

 

[baikal3]

I'm not sure as to whether or not I file the N-400 or N-600.

I'm 22 now. But five years ago when my mother became a naturalized citizen I was 17. I have also had a green card since I was 8. My father left in 2003, so I was under my mother's custody--but there's no paperwork regarding custody or a separation.

If I'm eligible to file the N-600, would it be possible to just get a passport now and the certificate of citizenship a year or two down the line?

Thanks in advance for any help!

You may or may not be eligible to file N-600, and the answer really depends on the specific details not given in your post.
In order to be eligible for derivative citizenship under the Child Citizenship Act you need to satisfy the following three conditions at some point before turning 18:
1) have a green card
2) have a parent who is a U.S. citizen
3) reside in legal and physical custody of that parent

See http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1312.html

It looks like you are OK with items 1) and 2), but it is not very clear if 3) is satisfied in your case, based on your post.

I'd suggest that you consult an immigration lawyer before filing any forms.