US Citizenship vs. Naturalization – What’s the Difference?

Individuals who were born in foreign countries do not gain citizenship simply by living in the U.S. The main difference between naturalization and natural-born U.S. citizenship is that naturalization is a process that foreign citizens must go through in order to become U.S. citizens. Understanding the process of naturalization is fundamental for any immigrant who would like to become a citizen of the United States.

A U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Lawyer can help you.

What Is the Difference Between Natural Born U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization?

To better understand the differences between the two concepts, think of natural-born citizenship as a status acquired automatically at birth, and naturalization as a legal process that grants citizenship to eligible individuals not born as U.S. citizens.

Citizenship is a right that comes with being born in the country, which is why natural-born citizens do not have to go through the naturalization process.

People who were not born in the United States, however, must go through naturalization if they would like to become a citizen here.

Source: USCIS – Naturalization Eligibility

Eligibility Criteria to Become a Naturalized Citizen

To be eligible to become a naturalized citizen, you must meet the following requirements: 

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have a basic grasp of the English language (including being able to read, write, or speak it).
• Have a general understanding of U.S. history.
• Be of “good moral character.”
• Meet one of the following:
  • You have held a green card for at least five years.
  • You are married to a U.S. citizen.
  • You are the child of a U.S. citizen.
  • You serve or served in the U.S. military.

If you are eligible for naturalization, you can then send in a request to take part in the process. If you are approved, you will have an interview scheduled where an official tests your knowledge of English and U.S. history. They will also ask basic questions about your life and why you’d like to be a citizen. If you pass your interview and complete the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony, you will officially become a citizen of the United States.

What Rights Do You Get As an American Citizen?

All American citizens receive the same rights and benefits, regardless of the way that they became a citizen. Many people make the decision to become U.S. citizens because there are a multitude of important rights, benefits, and opportunities that you can receive. Some of the most well-known and essential rights of any American citizen include the following:

• The Right to Vote. As a democracy, the U.S. gives all citizens the opportunity to vote on government officials they’d like to see in office. Temporary and permanent residents do not have the right to vote, even if they have lived in the country for years, unless they become a citizens.
• Basic Constitutional Rights. All individuals in the U.S. are protected by core constitutional freedoms like speech, religion, assembly, and due process. As a citizen, you enjoy the full protection of these rights and can participate in the democratic process, including voting and holding public office.
• Protection Against Deportation. Once you are a U.S. citizen, the threat of deportation can finally cease. This protection from deportation is a key advantage, as becoming a U.S. citizen grants you a secure and permanent legal status, superseding your previous lawful permanent residency. Naturalized citizens can only face deportation in rare cases, such as if their citizenship was obtained through fraud or if they are convicted of certain serious offenses. However, you will most often be tried facing the same consequences as the average American.

Understanding Recent Changes to the Naturalization Civics Test (Effective October 2025)

USCIS recently announced an important overhaul of its naturalization civics test. Passing this test is a requirement of the naturalization process. The test is designed to evaluate applicants’ knowledge of U.S. history and government. In 2022, more than 95% of applicants passed the exam.

The agency framed the update as part of its broader effort to strengthen the naturalization process by ensuring that applicants meet English, civics, and character requirements. Other measures include stricter vetting, closer review of disability exceptions, and updated guidance emphasizing positive contributions to American society.

Policies now confirm that unlawful voting, false citizenship claims, or improper voter registration undermine good moral character. In 2024, USCIS welcomed 818,500 new citizens. That figure marks a 7% decline from the previous year.

Citizenship By Birth, Descent, or Derivation

Not all U.S. citizens go through naturalization. Some acquire citizenship automatically at birth or through their parents. Citizenship by birth (birthright citizenship) applies to nearly everyone born in the United States or its territories, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.

Citizenship by descent applies to children born abroad to at least one U.S. citizen parent, provided the statutory requirements are met. Derives citizenship applies when a child under 18 becomes a lawful permanent resident and automatically acquires citizenship through a parent’s naturalization.

For example, if Maria were born in Mexico to a U.S. citizen mother who had lived in California for several years, she may qualify for citizenship by descent. Similarly, if John immigrated with his father at the age of 10 and received a green card, he could derive citizenship when his father naturalized.

How Can I Prepare for the Civics Test

Preparation for the naturalization civics test begins with reviewing official USCIS study materials, including the 100 civics questions and answers, which are available online and as a free booklet. Many applicants also use flashcards, podcasts, or mobile apps created by USCIS.

Practicing spoken answers in English is essential, since responses must be given verbally during the interview. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language. Common examples of errors that could disqualify an applicant include extended pauses while reading aloud or extensive pronunciation errors. The writing test requires proficiency in grammar, spelling, and capitalization.

Local adult education programs, such as the Orange Coast College Adult Education in Costa Mesa and the Saddleback College Adult Education in Mission Viejo, offer citizenship classes. Applicants with qualifying disabilities may request exceptions. Most people should expect to demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history, government, and civic values.

Why You Should Hire an Immigration Lawyer

If you are preparing to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, your top priority should be to hire an immigration lawyer. With representation from an immigration attorney, you can benefit from their years of experience helping clients navigate immigration cases with successful outcomes. Federal immigration laws are complex and often unforgiving.

Even understanding the various ways to become a naturalized citizen can be challenging without the assistance of a lawyer. By working with an immigration lawyer with experience navigating the naturalization process, you can move forward with confidence and take the first steps toward becoming a proud U.S. citizen.

FAQs

Can Naturalized Citizens Access the Same Rights as Natural-Born Citizens?

Yes. Once naturalized, a U.S. citizen has virtually all the same rights and responsibilities as a natural-born citizen. This includes the right to vote, hold public office (except President or Vice President), apply for a U.S. passport, and sponsor family members for immigration. There is no legal distinction in day-to-day rights between the two statuses.

What Is a Certificate of Naturalization?

Once a foreign citizen has gone through the process of naturalization in the U.S., they will then receive what is known as a “certificate of naturalization.” This certificate confirms that the individual has completed the naturalization process, including the Oath of Allegiance, and is now a citizen of the United States. This is an essential document for anyone who becomes a naturalized citizen and is used to prove your status.

How Long Does the Naturalization Process Take?

Naturalization can take quite a long time, depending on how quickly everything is processed. Generally, the process takes anywhere from 8 to 14 months or more. This is because after you send in your request, it will take a few weeks to be processed. It will then take another few weeks to schedule an interview for you, which could potentially be months in the future. After your interview, USCIS will review your case, and if approved, you’ll be scheduled to take the Oath of Allegiance—after which you’ll receive your Certificate of Naturalization.

What Do You Need to Know for Your Naturalization Interview?

There are generally three main parts of a naturalization interview. One stage will address your personal information, such as why you’d like to become a citizen. The other two stages are centered around your knowledge of the U.S. and the English language. One of these stages is the civics test, where you’ll be asked questions about U.S. history, government, and civic principles. The last portion will simply assess your understanding of English and how well you can read, write, and speak it.

Can Naturalized Citizens Lose Their U.S. Citizenship?

Yes, although it is rare, naturalized U.S. citizens can lose their citizenship through a process called denaturalization. This typically occurs if the government discovers that the individual committed fraud or misrepresented facts during the naturalization process. Involvement in terrorism or serious crimes may also result in denaturalization if it is shown that such information was concealed or misrepresented during the application.

Are You Allowed To Bring a Lawyer to Your Naturalization Interview?

Foreign citizens who are going through the naturalization process are not only allowed to hire a lawyer for assistance, but they can also bring one along to their naturalization interview. You will just have to provide the USCIS with the proper notification that you’re bringing them. Your lawyer can help clarify questions, but not answer them for you.

Looking for Immigration Assistance in Southern California?

If you’d like to become an American citizen, it is vital to understand the process of naturalization. At U.S. Law Center, our experience in immigration law allows us to aid individuals and families from around the world. Our head attorney is fluent in multiple languages and has helped numerous people move to the United States. If you are interested in becoming a naturalized citizen of the U.S., contact U.S. Law Center to discuss your options today.