Naturalization definition
Naturalization is the legal process through which non-citizens become US citizens.
Naturalization is the legal process through which a non-US citizen voluntarily becomes a US citizen after meeting specific eligibility requirements. These typically include a period of lawful permanent residence, good moral character, and passing English and civics tests.
Upon naturalization, individuals receive a Certificate of Naturalization as proof of their US citizenship and gain all the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, including the right to vote and hold most public offices.
There were 818.7K naturalization in fiscal year 2024.
Naturalizations by month and fiscal year
What's the difference between a US citizen and a naturalized citizen?
There is no legal difference between a US citizen and a naturalized citizen in terms of rights, protections, and responsibilities. A naturalized citizen is a full US citizen. The term "naturalized" simply describes how someone became a citizen; it is not a different class of citizenship. However, if it is determined that naturalization has been fraudulently obtained, it can be revoked.
All US citizens have the same rights regardless of how they legally obtained citizenship, including:
- Right to vote in federal elections
- Right to live permanently in the US without fear of deportation
- Ability to petition for family members to immigrate
- Access to a US passport and consular protection abroad
- Eligibility for federal jobs and benefits
- Protection under all Constitutional rights
- Obligation to serve on juries and pay taxes
However, only "natural born" citizens (those who were citizens from birth) can serve as president or vice president of the United States. Naturalized citizens can serve in any other government position, including in Congress, the Supreme Court, and Cabinet positions.
More than 37% of new citizens in fiscal year 2024 were aged 30 to 44.
Naturalized citizens, by age group and sex
Can a naturalized citizen lose citizenship?
Yes, naturalized citizens can lose their citizenship through a rare process called denaturalization. Naturalized citizens can lose their citizenship through denaturalization if:
- They obtained naturalization illegally or through willful misrepresentation or concealment of a material fact (e.g., concealing a criminal history or a fraudulent marriage).
- They are found to have been involved in certain terrorist or totalitarian organizations within five years after naturalization.
- Their citizenship was tied to US military service but they are dishonorably discharged within five years.
- They refuse to testify before Congress about subversive activities (very rare).
Both natural-born citizens and naturalized citizens can also voluntarily renounce their citizenship.
Does the US allow dual citizenship?
Yes, the US allows dual citizenship. US law does not require a person to choose between US citizenship and another nationality. Citizens may hold dual (or multiple) citizenships, as long as the other country’s laws also allow it. However, dual citizens must use a US passport to enter and leave the United States, and they remain subject to US laws, including tax obligations, regardless of where they live. Dual citizens may face conflicting obligations under the laws of their other country of nationality.
