Naturalized vs. Citizenship: What's the Difference?

Becoming a U.S. citizen is a dream for many. But when it comes to understanding the pathways of getting U.S. citizenship, you might be wondering about the difference between being a naturalized citizen and simply being a citizen. This article will help clarify the key differences, similarities, and processes involved in these two forms of U.S. citizenship.

Naturalization vs. Citizenship: The Key Differences

Let’s start with the basics. Citizenship refers to being a legally recognized member of a nation. In the case of the United States, citizenship confers rights and duties, such as voting in elections, holding public office, and obeying U.S. laws. But not all U.S. citizens gain their citizenship in the same way.

Who Is a Natural-Born Citizen?

Natural-born citizens are individuals who obtain U.S. citizenship by birth. This includes people born in the U.S. or those born abroad to U.S. citizen parents under certain conditions. Essentially, these individuals never have to go through the naturalization process because they are granted citizenship automatically at birth.

Who Is a Naturalized Citizen?

A naturalized citizen is someone who wasn’t born an American citizen but became one through the naturalization process. This legal process allows foreign nationals who meet specific eligibility requirements to become full-fledged U.S. citizens.

The Naturalization Process: How Foreign Nationals Become Citizens

The naturalization process is a formal procedure established by U.S. immigration laws. Foreign nationals must meet various requirements and follow a structured path to earn U.S. citizenship.

To apply for naturalization, an individual must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen).
• Have continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S.
• Demonstrate good moral character.
• Pass English language and U.S. civics tests.

There are ways in which foreign nationals can prepare for naturalization and improve their chances of a successful application, including maintaining legal residency and studying for the civics tests.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Naturalization Process

Now let's go through each step:

1. File Form N-400 — Application for Naturalization

The journey to becoming a naturalized citizen begins with filing Form N-400 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You’ll also need to submit supporting documents, such as your green card, and pay the required filing fee.

2. Attend the Biometrics Appointment

After submitting your application, you’ll be scheduled for a biometrics appointment, where your fingerprints, photo, and signature will be collected. This is part of the background check process to ensure you meet the requirements of good moral character.

3. Complete the Naturalization Interview

During the interview, a USCIS officer will review your application and ask questions about your background and your commitment to U.S. values.

4. Pass the Citizenship Test

The naturalization test consists of two parts: the English language test and the civics test. The English test assesses your reading, writing, and speaking skills, while the civics test checks your knowledge of U.S. history and government.

5. Take the Oath of Allegiance

If your application is approved, you’ll be invited to attend a naturalization ceremony. During the ceremony, you’ll take the Oath of Allegiance to officially become a U.S. citizen. Afterward, you’ll receive your certificate of naturalization.

Rights and Responsibilities of U.S. Citizens

Regardless of how you obtain U.S. citizenship, whether through birth or naturalization, you’ll enjoy the same rights, including the right to vote, apply for a U.S. passport, and hold public office. However, you’ll also have responsibilities, such as paying taxes, serving on juries, and upholding U.S. laws.

Can a Naturalized Citizen Lose Citizenship?

While rare, a naturalized citizen can lose their citizenship if they’re found to have committed fraud during the naturalization process or engaged in certain activities like serving in a foreign military. This process, known as denaturalization, does not apply to natural-born citizens.

Does Naturalization Give the Same Rights as Birthright Citizenship?

Yes, naturalized citizens enjoy the same rights and privileges as natural-born citizens, including voting and holding most public offices. However, there are a few exceptions. For example, naturalized citizens cannot become the President or Vice President of the United States.

What Are the Advantages of Naturalization?

Naturalization offers several advantages:

• Right to vote: Naturalized U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections.
• Dual citizenship: In many cases, naturalized citizens can hold dual citizenship, maintaining ties with their home country while enjoying the benefits of U.S. citizenship.
• Family reunification: Naturalized citizens can sponsor family members for immigration to the U.S.
• Eligibility for public offices: Naturalized citizens can run for various public offices (except for President and Vice President).

With a U.S. passport, naturalized citizens can also travel freely to many countries without a visa.

What Happens After the Naturalization Ceremony?

After becoming a naturalized citizen, you can apply for a U.S. passport, register to vote, and enjoy all the benefits of citizenship. Your certificate of naturalization will be an important document to keep safe, as it serves as proof of your U.S. citizenship.

Naturalized vs. Derived Citizens: How Are They Different?

Derived citizenship is another pathway to U.S. citizenship for children of U.S. citizens. Derived citizens gain their U.S. citizenship through their parents, either at birth or through their parents’ naturalization.

A child can automatically become a U.S. citizen through their parents if certain conditions are met, such as the parent being a naturalized citizen and the child being under 18 at the time.

How to Apply for Derived Citizenship for Children

If you’re a U.S. citizen parent and want your child to derive citizenship, you’ll need to provide evidence of your own citizenship and show that the child meets the legal requirements, such as being a lawful permanent resident and under the age of 18.

Can Derived Citizens Lose Their Citizenship?

Like naturalized citizens, derived citizens can lose their citizenship in rare cases, typically related to fraud in the citizenship application process. However, both naturalized and derived citizens enjoy the same legal protections as natural-born citizens.