United States citizenship grants certain unalienable rights to citizens of this country.
You can achieve citizenship in multiple ways:
- Being born in the U.S. or certain American territories
- Having parents who were citizens at the time of your birth if you were born abroad
- And applying for naturalization
Naturalization vs Citizenship
The main difference between naturalization and citizenship is that acitizenship certificate is given to someone who acquires citizenship through their US parents by being born in the country. Acertificate of naturalization is obtained by someone who becomes a citizen through the naturalization process.
We will now dive deeper into the differences between natural-born citizenship and naturalization so you understand what rights you may have.
What Is Considered U.S. Citizenship?
Those born in the United States or certain American territories and those who have parents who were U.S. citizens at the time of their birth are granted U.S. citizenship when they are born. They do not need to take any additional measures to receive the full rights and responsibilities of a U.S. citizen.
WhatIsCitizenshipbyNaturalization?
If neither of the above applies to you, you may become a citizen after birth by applying for naturalization.Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to foreign citizens or nationals after they fulfill the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
In order to qualify for naturalization, you must meet the following criteria:
- You have been a permanent resident for at least five years and meet all other eligibility requirements
- You have been a permanent resident for three years or more and meet all eligibility requirements to file as a spouse of a U.S. citizen
- You have qualifying service in the U.S. armed forces and meet all other eligibility requirements
- Your parents are U.S. citizens, you currently reside outside of the U.S., and you meet all other eligibility requirements
If you meet the eligibility requirements for naturalization, you may apply for naturalization by completing Form N-400 with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
How Akula & Associates P.C. Can Help
If you or someone you love is interested in applying for citizenship through naturalization, our Dallas immigration attorneys at Akula & Associates are here to help. Our skilled professionals use state-of-the-art technology to provide focused, effective solutions to clients’ range of immigration issues.
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Contact Akula & Associates at (844) 299-5003 or onlineto learn how we can assist you.
As an immigration law expert with years of experience in the field, I am well-versed in the intricate details of United States citizenship and naturalization. My expertise extends to the complexities of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), the legal framework that governs the process of naturalization.
The article touches upon fundamental concepts related to U.S. citizenship, providing a comprehensive overview of the ways one can become a citizen. Let's delve into the key concepts discussed:
1. United States Citizenship:
The article begins by emphasizing that U.S. citizenship grants unalienable rights to individuals in the country. Citizenship can be achieved through three primary means:
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Birth in the U.S. or Certain Territories:
- Individuals born within the geographical boundaries of the United States or specific American territories are automatically granted U.S. citizenship.
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Citizen Parents at the Time of Birth (if born abroad):
- If an individual is born abroad to parents who are U.S. citizens at the time of their birth, they are considered U.S. citizens.
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Applying for Naturalization:
- The article introduces naturalization as a process through which foreign citizens or nationals can acquire U.S. citizenship after meeting certain requirements.
2. Naturalization vs. Citizenship:
The article distinguishes between a citizenship certificate and a certificate of naturalization. While the former is granted to those born in the U.S. or to U.S. citizen parents, the latter is obtained through the naturalization process.
3. What Is Considered U.S. Citizenship?
The section clarifies that individuals born in the U.S. or certain territories and those born abroad to U.S. citizen parents are automatically granted U.S. citizenship without the need for additional measures.
4. What Is Citizenship by Naturalization?
The article defines naturalization as the process through which foreign citizens or nationals can obtain U.S. citizenship by fulfilling requirements outlined in the INA. It outlines specific criteria for eligibility, including residency duration and other considerations.
5. Eligibility Requirements for Naturalization:
The criteria for naturalization are detailed, encompassing various scenarios:
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General Permanent Residency:
- A minimum of five years as a permanent resident is required, along with meeting other eligibility requirements.
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Spouse of U.S. Citizen:
- Individuals married to U.S. citizens may qualify for naturalization after three years of permanent residency, among other conditions.
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U.S. Armed Forces Service:
- Qualifying service in the U.S. armed forces is recognized as a pathway to naturalization, subject to meeting all eligibility criteria.
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Parents as U.S. Citizens (Residing Abroad):
- Individuals whose parents are U.S. citizens, currently residing outside the U.S., may also be eligible for naturalization.
6. The Role of Akula & Associates P.C.:
The article concludes by mentioning how Akula & Associates P.C., a reputable immigration law firm, can assist individuals in the naturalization process. It highlights the firm's use of advanced technology to provide effective solutions for a range of immigration issues.
In summary, the article provides a thorough understanding of U.S. citizenship, the distinctions between naturalization and citizenship by birth, and the specific criteria for naturalization, all within the context of immigration law.
