children adopted by united states citizens

children adopted by united states citizens Sec. 323. (a) An adopted child may, if not otherwise disqualified from becoming a citizen by reason of section 313, 314, 315, or 318 of this Act, be naturalized before reaching the age of eighteen years upon the petition of the adoptive parent or parents, upon compliance with all the provisions of this title, if the adoptive parent or parents are citizens of the United States, and the child— (1) was lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence; (2) was adopted before attaining the age of sixteen years; and (3) subsequent to such adoption has resided continuously in the United States in legal custody of the adoptive parent or parents for two years prior to the date of filing such petition. (b) In lieu of the residence and physical presence requirements of section 316 (a) of this Act such child shall be required to establish only two years’ residence and one year’s physical presence in the United States during the two-year period immediately preceding the filing of the petition. If the child is of tender years he may be presumed to be of good moral character, attached to the principles of the Constitution, and well disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States.