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This is going to be a fairly technical post. 

I just finished putting together the packet of information necessary to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship (obtained through the N-600 application) for Jaden.  He has a permanent residence card, court finalization papers, a US passport, and a US social security number.  Apparently that is not enough.  Our agency really, really emphasized the need to apply for the COC.  When I called last week, one of the post-adoption coordinators told me that this will be “the most important” of all of the various official papers Jaden has collected in his young life. 

I started the process by Googling “N-600″ and downloading both the form and the instructions.  My first pass through was less than successful.  The second time through I actually read the instructions.  I was left with only 5 questions blank.  Then I called my agency.  The woman I spoke with directed me to this web page:  http://www.legal-eaze.com/index_files/Page1709.htm.  It helped immensely.  I printed off the provided cover sheets, and went through the checklist to make sure we included all of the necessary items.  All I have left to do is go to the bank to get the $420 money order, and I will put this is in the mail tomorrow. 

After this, Jaden is really, really going to be considered a US Citizen.  We were told he was a citizen on his adoption finalization day, and then again when he received his passport, but I think this time the government means it.