A video released by the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica explains the basic requirements for obtaining a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. The report, which is requested by filing a form DS2029 is necessary to transmit citizenship to the child of a United States citizen born abroad. The process is important because because citizenship and a U.S. passport is not granted automatically to children born abroad.
While the United States constitution establishes that most people born within the borders of the United States are in fact citizens, the constitution is silent for those born abroad.
All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. -U.S. Constitution, Fourteen Amendment Section One
Federal law provides citizenship for children born abroad only when certain conditions are met. For example, when one parent is not a citizen then the citizen parent must meet requirements for physical presence or having lived in the United States. Also, a DNA test is required to establish blood relationship when the child is born out of wedlock.
The video is important step to educate people, as parents who wait long after a child is born to apply can encounter serious difficulties obtaining citizenship for their children.