What is the Difference Between Naturalization and Citizenship?

Naturalization is the process by which a foreign national applies to obtain citizenship.  In order to apply to become a U.S. citizen, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a lawful permanent resident of at least 5 years immediately before applying to naturalize
• A continuous residence in the U.S. for at least 5 years immediately before applying to naturalize
• Physical presence in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the 5 years immediately before applying to naturalize
• Good moral character
• Be at least 18 years old

If you have determined that you meet the following requirements, you may be eligible to apply for naturalization.  This process requires that applicants are fingerprinted and photographed for the purpose of conducting FBI criminal background checks.  After the background check has been completed, applicants will be scheduled for an interview with representatives of USCIS to complete the naturalization process.

Citizenship may be given to a child before the child turns age of 18 by his or her parent who is a U.S. citizens.  A person who is born in the U.S. and in some American territories are U.S. citizens by birthright.  If a child is born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent abroad, he or she may claim U.S. citizenship upon birth.  Additionally, children who are adopted outside of the U.S. and acquire citizenship through his or her U.S. citizen parent may also apply to obtain citizenship.

So what makes naturalized citizens and citizens who claim citizenship by birth different?

Those who gain citizenship through naturalization are afforded essentially the same unalienable rights as a U.S. native-born citizen. These include the right to:

• Vote
• Receive a U.S. passport
• Run for elected office
• Free speech, assembly, and religion
• Trial by jury of peers

However, the only difference is that a naturalized citizen is not eligible to run for President or Vice President of the United States.

We are Here to Help

Need an immigration attorney in Allen, TX? Call the Liu Law Firm at (469) 949-9227 for assistance with your naturalization and immigration matters today. Located at 333 E. Bethany Drive Bldg. H, Suite 110, Allen, TX 75002.

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