What’s the Difference Between Naturalization and Citizenship?

Economic opportunities, armed conflicts, and demographic changes are all factors that affect global migration patterns. The United States, with its long history of welcoming immigrants from around the world, experiences a continuous global movement as people seek new homes and citizenship. According to USCIS, over 878,500 people were naturalized as citizens in the United States in FY 2023.

What does a naturalized citizen mean? It is anyone not born in the United States or to parents with American citizenship, and they are people from other countries who have immigrated to the United States and obtained citizenship.

Once you become a citizen, you might think that would be it. The distinction between naturalization and citizenship holds more significance than you may realize. Learning the differences between naturalization and citizenship will give you a clearer perspective on the different routes many take to secure their place in a nation.

Naturalization Process and Requirements 

When someone becomes a citizen of a country through a legal process, it’s known as naturalization. This involves anyone who meets the criteria set by the country they wish to become citizens of. To qualify for naturalization, you must meet specific criteria set by the country you aim to become a citizen of. These requirements typically include:

• A period of residency in the country, often ranging from three to five years. 
• During this time, you must demonstrate good moral character, which means not engaging in criminal activities or other behaviors that might reflect poorly on your character.
• Most countries require you to have a basic understanding of their language, history, and government. This is usually assessed through a language proficiency test and a civics exam. 
• You may be asked to provide evidence of stable income and financial independence to guarantee that you can support yourself without relying on public assistance.
• Upon approval, you’ll take an oath of allegiance to finalize your citizenship status in the country.

Benefits of Naturalization

Naturalization opens up a world of opportunities and rights that boost your sense of belonging and participation in American society. Upon completing the naturalization process, you gain access to the benefits that come with being a citizen of the country:

Voting Rights: The right to vote in local, state, and federal elections allows you to have a direct impact on the political setting of your community and country.

Global Travel: You can freely travel with a U.S. passport, allowing you to explore the world with the support and protection of your new citizenship.

Career Opportunities: It grants you eligibility for federal jobs, expanding your professional opportunities.

Educational Financial Aid: Access financial aid for education, including federal assistance programs that support your pursuit of academic goals and career advancement.

Family Sponsorship: The privilege to sponsor family members for immigration.

Acquiring Citizenship by Birth

By being born within the borders of a country, you automatically acquire citizenship through birthright. This principle, known as jus soli, or ‘right of the soil,’ grants citizenship to anyone born in a particular country, regardless of the nationality of their parents. It’s a straightforward way to become a citizen, as it’s based on the simple fact of your birthplace.

Countries have varying laws regarding citizenship by birth. In some nations, like the United States and Canada, virtually all individuals born within the country’s territory are automatically granted citizenship. In other countries, they may have more restrictive policies, such as requiring at least one parent to be a citizen or legal resident for the child to acquire citizenship.

Citizenship Through Descent

Acquiring citizenship through descent means inheriting nationality from one or both parents, depending on the laws of the country. If one or both of your parents were citizens of a particular country at the time of your birth, you may automatically become a citizen of that country as well. This is often referred to as jus sanguinis, meaning ‘right of blood.’ Countries have different regulations for citizenship by descent.

To claim citizenship through descent, you typically need to provide documentation proving your familial relationship to the citizen parent(s) and sometimes meet other criteria, such as registration with the country’s consulate. Keep in mind that the rules can differ widely between nations, so thorough research or consultation with legal experts may be necessary to handle the process successfully.

Differences Between Naturalization and Citizenship

Citizenship is typically acquired either by birth within a country’s borders or by descent from citizens of that country. Naturalization, on the other hand, is the process through which individuals who aren’t born citizens can become recognized as full members of a nation. The difference lies in the way each status is obtained: citizenship is often automatic and granted at birth, while naturalization requires an application, meeting the criteria, and taking an oath of allegiance.

Another disparity is the rights and privileges attached to each status. Citizens by birth or descent usually have more extensive rights, such as the ability to run for public office or vote in elections, compared to naturalized citizens. Naturalized citizens may also face certain restrictions, like being barred from holding high-level government positions. 

Conclusion

The difference between naturalization and citizenship lies in the way each status is obtained. While naturalization is the process of becoming a citizen through legal means, citizenship can be acquired through birth or descent. Be sure to always follow the requirements and guidelines set forth by your country’s government to achieve your goal of becoming a citizen.