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Naturalized Citizen: What It Means and How to Become One
Definition & Meaning
A naturalized citizen is an individual who was not born a U.S. citizen but has completed the legal process to become a citizen of the United States. This process allows a foreign-born person to gain the same rights and privileges as a natural-born citizen, with the exception of eligibility for the presidency or vice-presidency. Naturalized citizens are recognized as U.S. citizens globally, even in their country of birth, for most legal purposes.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
The term "naturalized citizen" is primarily used in immigration law and citizenship matters. It is relevant in various legal contexts, including:
Immigration applications and petitions
Eligibility for government benefits and services
Voting rights and civic responsibilities
Individuals seeking to become naturalized citizens can utilize legal templates and forms offered by US Legal Forms to navigate the application process effectively.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A woman from Mexico who has lived in the U.S. as a permanent resident for six years applies for naturalization. She meets the residency requirements and demonstrates good moral character. After passing the naturalization test, she becomes a U.S. citizen.
Example 2: A man from Canada who has been a lawful permanent resident for three years and is married to a U.S. citizen applies for naturalization. He successfully completes the application process and takes the Oath of Allegiance, becoming a naturalized citizen. (hypothetical example)
Relevant laws & statutes
The primary legal framework governing naturalization is found in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Key sections include:
Section 316: General naturalization requirements
Section 319: Naturalization for spouses of U.S. citizens
Section 328: Naturalization for members of the Armed Forces
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Naturalized Citizen
A person who has legally become a U.S. citizen after being born an alien.
Natural-Born Citizen
A person who is a U.S. citizen from birth, either by birth on U.S. soil or through U.S. citizen parents.
Permanent Resident
A foreign national who has been granted the right to live permanently in the U.S. but is not a citizen.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you are considering applying for naturalization, follow these steps:
Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.
Gather necessary documents, including proof of residency and good moral character.
Complete the naturalization application form (N-400).
Consider using US Legal Forms for templates and guidance.
If you encounter complexities, consult with an immigration attorney for assistance.
Find the legal form that fits your case
Browse our library of 85,000+ state-specific legal templates.
Residency requirement: 5 years (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen)
Good moral character: Required for the statutory period
Naturalization test: Must pass U.S. history and government knowledge test
Oath of allegiance: Required to complete the process
Key takeaways
Frequently asked questions
A naturalized citizen has completed the process to become a U.S. citizen, while a permanent resident holds a green card and is allowed to live in the U.S. indefinitely but is not a citizen.
Yes, a naturalized citizen can lose their citizenship under certain conditions, such as committing fraud during the naturalization process or being convicted of certain crimes.
The naturalization process can take several months to over a year, depending on various factors, including application volume and individual circumstances.