What Does U.S. National Mean? A Comprehensive Legal Overview

Definition & Meaning

A U.S. national is defined as either a U.S. citizen or a U.S. non-citizen national. This term is important for understanding various legal rights and responsibilities, especially in matters related to nationality, immigration, and passport issuance.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A person born in the U.S. is automatically a U.S. citizen and therefore a U.S. national. They can apply for a U.S. passport without additional documentation.

Example 2: An individual born in American Samoa is a U.S. non-citizen national. They have certain rights, such as the ability to live and work in the U.S., but they cannot vote in federal elections. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition
U.S. Citizen A person who has acquired citizenship through birth or naturalization.
U.S. Non-Citizen National A person who owes allegiance to the U.S. but is not a citizen, such as individuals born in American Samoa.
Permanent Resident A non-citizen who has been granted the right to live permanently in the U.S. but does not have citizenship.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you believe you are a U.S. national, it's important to understand your rights and responsibilities. You can explore legal forms related to nationality and passport applications through US Legal Forms. If your situation is complex, consider seeking advice from a legal professional.

Quick facts

Attribute Details
Definition Includes U.S. citizens and U.S. non-citizen nationals.
Legal Reference 22 CFR 51.1
Voting Rights Only U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

A U.S. citizen has full citizenship rights, while a U.S. national may not have all the rights of citizenship, such as voting.