The Differences Between Naturalization and Citizenship

What are the differences between naturalization and citizenship?

The main difference between citizenship and naturalization is where your parents live.  A citizen certificate is given to someone whose parents live in the United States, whereas a naturalization certificate is given to a person who undergoes the naturalization process. The naturalization process involves having a green card, going through an interview, and taking several tests. If you are born in a country other than the United States and your parents are U.S. Citizens, you don’t need to go through the naturalization process. Instead, you apply for citizenship. If you are born in the United States, you are also a citizen by birth, even if your parents are immigrants or U.S. permanent residents.

Here are a few other things to keep in mind:

• These are both types of certificates that prove you are a citizen of the United States.
• A naturalization certificate can be applied for by anyone 18 years of age or older.
• Both certificates give the holder the same rights, including voting and being able to get a passport.
• The naturalization process involves the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Service) which is a branch of Homeland Security. Expect the process to take a while.

Becoming a citizen of the United States is a monumental and exciting process–but the paperwork aspect can be overwhelming. If this applies to you or someone you love, let our staff attorneys help. That is why we are here.

In the Immigration News This Week:

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill on February 5, 2022 for one main purpose. Their goal is to “increase the United States’ innovation and competitiveness in an ever-growing global economy.”

The bill, “America Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing, Pre-Eminence in Technology, and Economic Strength Act of 2022”— also known or called the America COMPETES Act of 2022—included other immigration clauses and plans. The plan includes: a new startup visa category, an immigration path for certain people in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields, and opportunities for immigrant in the entrepreneurial field.

To learn more, read this article by the American Immigration Council.