According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) 878,500 people were naturalized in fiscal year 2023. Naturalizations in fiscal years 2022 and 2023 made up nearly a quarter (24%) of all naturalizations over the past decade. But what is a naturalized citizen and how does he or she differ from a derived citizen?
This article will help you in understanding these two types of citizenship and define what naturalized and derived citizens mean:
Definition of Naturalized Citizenship
The US Law Center defines naturalized citizenship as someone who has fulfilled a specified set of eligibility requirements from the US government.
A naturalized U.S. citizen gains all the rights that natural-born U.S. citizens have. These include voting in the elections, access to the country’s health and education, and immunity to deportation to your country of origin. Once naturalized, they are expected to contribute to society by participating in civic duties and upholding the values of their new homeland.
Becoming a naturalized citizen signifies your commitment to integrating into your new community and embracing its culture and traditions. It’s a significant step that grants you equal standing with native-born citizens, allowing you to fully engage in all aspects of your country’s social, political, and economic life.
Requirements for Naturalization
The requirements for naturalization include being at least 18 years old at the time of filing your Form N-400, having lawful permanent resident status (green card holder) for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen), demonstrating continuous residence in the United States, and showing physical presence in the U.S. for at least half of the required residency period.
You will need to be able to read, write, and speak basic English, and have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government. Other requirements include a good moral character, attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution, and willingness to take the Oath of Allegiance.
Biometric testing is another requirement and this test ascertains that you are who you say you are.
It’s important to carefully review and fulfill each requirement for a smooth and successful naturalization process.
Understanding Derived Citizenship
Derived citizenship is the automatic acquisition of citizenship by children through their parents, who are either U.S. citizens by birth or through naturalization.
In the case of children born abroad to at least one U.S. citizen parent who meets certain requirements, they can acquire U.S. citizenship automatically. The laws governing derived citizenship can be intricate and may vary based on the date of the child’s birth, the marital status of the parents, and other factors.
Key Differences Between Naturalized and Derived Citizens
Naturalized citizens are individuals who weren’t born in the country they seek citizenship in but have gone through a legal process to become citizens. This process typically involves an application, meeting residency requirements, passing a language and civics test, and taking an oath of allegiance.
Meanwhile, derived citizens acquire citizenship automatically through their parents, who are either U.S. citizens by birth or naturalization.
One key difference lies in the voluntary nature of the process. Naturalized citizens actively choose to become citizens of a country, demonstrating a commitment to its values and principles. This differs from derived citizens who acquire citizenship passively, as it’s conferred upon them through their familial relationships.
Naturalized citizens may have varied cultural backgrounds and experiences, contributing to the diversity of the citizenry, while derived citizens often have a more direct connection to the country through their parents.
Conclusion
Now that you know the difference between a naturalized citizen and a derived citizen, it is easier to understand how to obtain US citizenship based on your own circumstances.
