Citizenship

Citizenship determines who fully belongs to the American political community, with the right to vote, hold certain jobs, carry a U.S. passport, and never face deportation. The federal government controls how citizenship is granted, whether by birth or through a legal process later in life, and sets the rules that apply nationwide.

Becoming a citizen. Most people who are not citizens at birth can become one through a formal process that involves meeting residency requirements, demonstrating knowledge of English and civics, and taking an oath of allegiance. The Naturalization Eligibility and Process covers who qualifies, what the application involves, and how the process typically unfolds from start to finish.

Citizenship without applying. Not everyone has to go through naturalization. Some people are citizens automatically, either because of where they were born or because of their parents’ citizenship at the time of their birth, even if that birth happened outside the United States. Citizenship Through Parents or Birth Abroad explains these paths, which matter especially for families living overseas or with mixed citizenship status.

History and ongoing debate. American citizenship law has never been static. Who counts as fully American, and on what terms, has been a recurring source of political conflict, shaped by debates over immigration, national identity, and constitutional interpretation that continue to surface in new forms across generations.