American citizenship is more than a document; it’s a status that confers full rights and opens doors to a life of opportunities in the United States.
For millions of immigrants, achieving American nationality represents the fulfillment of a dream and the security of a future. But what does it really mean, who is eligible for it, and what are the paths to obtain it?
In this comprehensive and up-to-date guide, we unravel the mysteries of American citizenship, from its different forms of acquisition to the naturalization process.
We’ll cover the necessary qualifications, the steps involved, and the important discussions surrounding the journey to the USA. Understand everything about this fundamental step in your journey to the USA!
What is American Citizenship?
American citizenship is the legal bond that unites a person to the United States, granting them all the rights and duties of a citizen. This includes the right to vote, run for public office, live and work permanently in any state without restrictions, have access to specific social benefits, and travel with an American passport, one of the most powerful in the world.
Moreover, it provides security and stability, allowing indefinite residence in the United States as well as access to benefits and protections available to citizens of the country.
What’s the Difference between a Green Card and American Citizenship?
The Green Card, or permanent resident card, is a document that grants a foreigner the right to live and work legally in the United States indefinitely.
The Green Card is an important step towards American citizenship, but the two statuses are different and involve distinct requirements.
While the Green Card grants the holder many of the same rights and benefits as an American citizen, such as access to employment, education, and social assistance, citizenship goes further, offering additional benefits, such as the right to vote in elections, the possibility of running for public office, full protection of constitutional rights, and security of permanence in the United States.
In other words, being an American citizen also provides a deeper connection with the country, involving a sense of national identity and an emotional bond with the American community and culture.
It’s worth noting that obtaining American citizenship usually requires prior possession of a Green Card, but there are other ways to acquire citizenship, such as birth on American soil or having at least one parent who is an American citizen.
Who is Eligible for American Citizenship?
Acquisition of American citizenship can occur through different routes, according to US law. The three main ones are:
Citizenship by Birth (Jus Soli)
This is the most debated principle. Currently, the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees that every person born on American soil, regardless of their parents’ nationality, is a citizen of the United States.
Despite being an established law, birthright citizenship has been the subject of intense political discussions. Current President Donald Trump issued an executive order prohibiting birthright citizenship for children of tourists and illegal immigrants in the country, however, this decision is being debated in American courts.
Any change to this rule would require a constitutional amendment or significant judicial interpretation by the Supreme Court, making it an extremely complex process, and for now, the law remains unchanged.
Citizenship by Descent (Jus Sanguinis)
Children of American citizens, even if born outside the United States, may be entitled to American citizenship by descent. The rules vary according to the child’s date of birth and the parents’ length of residence in the US before the birth.
Generally, it is required that one or both parents be American citizens at the time of the child’s birth and have fulfilled certain periods of physical residence in the US before the child’s birth.
Citizenship by Naturalization
This is the most common route for immigrants who already have permanent residence in the US (Green Card). The naturalization process requires the applicant to meet a series of requirements and demonstrate their commitment to the country.
Some common requirements may include continuous residence in the United States for a certain period, knowledge of the English language and the American political system, good moral character, financial self-sufficiency, and successful completion of a citizenship exam.
How to Obtain American Citizenship through the Naturalization Process?
For most immigrants, American citizenship is achieved through the naturalization process, which follows clear steps and requires meeting specific prerequisites.
Prerequisites for Naturalization
Before applying for naturalization, it is essential to meet criteria established by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):
Age: be 18 years or older.
Permanent residence (Green Card): possess a Green Card for a minimum period. In 2025, the general rule requires the applicant to be a legal permanent resident for at least 5 consecutive years. For spouses of American citizens, this period is reduced to 3 years.
Physical presence: have been physically present in the US for at least half of the required residence period (2.5 years for the general 5-year rule, 1.5 years for spouses of American citizens).
Good moral character: demonstrate good moral character, without a history of serious crimes or activities that violate the law.
English knowledge: ability to read, write, and speak basic English.
Civic knowledge: basic understanding of US history, government, and geography.
Attachment to the Constitution: demonstrate loyalty to the principles of the US Constitution.
Steps of the Naturalization Process
With the prerequisites met, the naturalization process involves the following phases:
Filling out Form N-400: the first step is to submit the Application for Naturalization Form to USCIS, along with supporting documentation and applicable fees.
Biometric data collection: scheduling for collection of fingerprints, photograph, and signature, which are used for background checks.
Interview: attendance at an interview with a USCIS officer, who will review your application and test your English and civic knowledge.
Decision and oath of allegiance: if approved, you will be invited to the Naturalization Ceremony, where you will take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States and receive your Certificate of Naturalization.
What Happens after Naturalization?
After becoming an American citizen, you acquire a series of rights and duties. You can vote in federal, state, and local elections, run for public office, obtain an American passport (facilitating international travel), and have more security against deportation.
However, you also have the same duties as other citizens, which include: obedience to the law, paying taxes, serving on juries when called, and defending the country if necessary.
The Future of Citizenship with President Trump’s New Proposals
D4U Immigration is always attentive to discussions and potential changes that may affect your international journey. In addition to the debate on birthright citizenship, innovative proposals have emerged, such as what is popularly being called the “Trump Card” or “Gold Card”.
Although the details are still under discussion and it’s not a direct path to citizenship, this proposal signals a possible route for high-net-worth individuals who wish to invest in the country and subsequently obtain permanent residence, a fundamental step towards naturalization.
It’s essential to differentiate these proposals from already established routes such as the investment Green Card (EB-5), but being aware of the discussions is part of strategic planning.
American citizenship offers security and numerous opportunities. Whether by birth, descent, or naturalization, understanding the requirements and process is fundamental.
With current discussions about birthright citizenship and new proposals like the “Gold Card”, staying informed and relying on specialized support is more important than ever.
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D4U Immigration has the necessary expertise to guide you through each step of your migration journey, including planning for permanent residence and, in the future, applying for American citizenship. Our goal is to turn your American dream into reality, safely and efficiently.
Take the next step towards your American Citizenship! Talk to our team.
