Navigating the ins and outs of citizenship vs naturalization and understanding which status you currently hold is an important part of the process for those in the U.S. immigration system. Though the terms are often used interchangeably, the two are separate legal concepts and can have varying requirements and consequences, depending on your status.
Whether you were born in the United States or became a permanent resident, hoping to take the next step, knowing the differences in each path can help you better understand where you stand and what you must do to better secure your future.
Hire an Immigration Lawyer
At Destino Legal, we are professionals with in-depth knowledge of U.S. immigration laws and real-world experience helping individuals navigate their status. We rely on current USCIS guidelines and legal standards to explain complex terms like citizenship and naturalization in a way that’s easy to understand and legally accurate, empowering readers and clients to make informed decisions.
What Is U.S. Citizenship, and Who Automatically Qualifies?
United States citizenship vests individuals with complete legal protections and rights accorded to its members. While becoming a U.S. citizen often requires the immigrant to be born in the U.S. or have citizen parents, no application is necessary in these cases. You just need to document your citizenship status by filling out the appropriate forms, such as a birth certificate or Certificate of Citizenship.
It’s important to be aware of whether you are already a citizen, especially as immigration enforcement grows more common. In 2023, U.S. authorities removed or returned about 775,000 unauthorized migrants, the most since 2010. This illustrates why it’s critical to know your status and protect your rights if you’re stopped by immigration officials.
What Is the Naturalization Process for Immigrants?
Through naturalization, permanent residents who hold green cards can obtain citizenship status. To become a citizen through naturalization, an individual must first be eligible for naturalization by meeting residency requirements, having good moral character, knowing how to speak, read, and write in English, and passing a history and civics test.
Green card holders are eligible for naturalization after 5 years. However, you may be eligible after 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen. The applicant must then file Form N-400, attend biometrics and an interview, pass tests, and take the Oath of Allegiance. Benefits of citizenship include the right to vote and to apply for a U.S. passport. Individuals must actively apply through the immigration system because naturalization does not happen automatically.
As immigration enforcement rises nationwide, naturalization offers permanent protection against deportation. The number of detainees held in ICE facilities surpassed 46,000 by mid-March 2025.
Numbers have increased substantially because authorities have intensified removals and detentions of people without legal status or citizenship. Completing the naturalization process not only grants full rights, but it also provides peace of mind in an increasingly strict immigration environment.
Key Legal Differences Between Citizenship and Naturalization
The difference between citizenship and naturalization is based on how the status is acquired. Citizenship is typically acquired by birthright or through parents, and a person is not required to apply for it. Naturalization is the legal process by which a non-citizen may apply for and gain citizenship if they meet certain requirements. Naturalized citizens may be required to take part in interviews, tests, and sworn oaths.
The rights granted by both are the same, but the naturalization status may be subject to revocation in certain rare circumstances, such as fraud. The distinction allows individuals to know what documents they need and if they must apply for citizenship through the naturalization process.
Why Understanding This Difference Matters
Confusing citizenship with naturalization can lead to serious consequences. Thinking you have citizenship when you don’t could cause you to miss out on your naturalization opportunity. This would subject you to potential removal and ineligibility for certain benefits.
Time is of the essence if you live in Idaho, where ICE activity has increased significantly. The agency made over 300 arrests in Idaho between January and mid-2025, a steep increase from the 77 it made there during that period in 2024, as well as the largest percentage increase in the U.S. Stay informed of your legal status and act on it to secure your future.
FAQs
Q: Who Qualifies for U.S. Citizenship at Birth?
A: The 14th Amendment guarantees birthright citizenship to anyone born in the United States without exception. A person born abroad may be considered a citizen, without naturalization, if certain criteria are met.
Citizenship rights are automatically available to these people because they have at least one U.S. citizen parent who was a citizen at their birth. Documents such as a U.S. passport or a Certificate of Citizenship may need to be applied for to obtain proof of citizenship.
Q: Can Naturalized Citizens Lose Their Citizenship?
A: Yes, in rare cases, a naturalized citizen can have their citizenship taken away through a process called denaturalization. The most common cases of denaturalization involve naturalized citizens who obtained their status by fraud, concealment, or illegal activity while applying for citizenship. If the government determines that you lied on your citizenship application or committed a crime during the naturalization process, they can revoke your citizenship
Q: Does a Green Card Make Me a U.S. Citizen?
A: No, a green card doesn’t make you a citizen. A green card means you are a lawful permanent resident, but not a U.S. citizen. Green card holders can live and work in the U.S. permanently, but they must still naturalize to become citizens if they want all the rights of citizenship. That includes the right to vote in federal elections and the ability to get a U.S. passport.
Q: Can Children Automatically Become Citizens Through Their Parents?
A: A child may automatically acquire U.S. citizenship when a parent naturalizes, as long as the child is under 18, living in the U.S. with lawful permanent resident status, and in the legal and physical custody of the naturalized parent. This is called derivative citizenship. The parent must still file the appropriate form, including a Certificate of Citizenship, to obtain proof of the child’s citizenship.
Contact an Idaho Immigration Attorney
If you’re unsure about your status or ready to begin the naturalization process, Destino Legal can help. Our team is here to provide clear answers and strong legal guidance. Contact us today to speak with a trusted immigration attorney and hire a deportation lawyer you can count on.
