In the United States, the concepts of nationality and naturalization are distinct. Nationality refers to the legal bond between an individual and the country, which may or may not include citizenship. For example, individuals born in American Samoa are considered U.S. nationals but not citizens unless they undergo the naturalization process. Naturalization, on the other hand, is the legal process through which a foreigner acquires U.S. citizenship after meeting certain requirements, such as a specified period of residency and passing civic and language tests.
There is a fundamental difference between a natural-born American and a naturalized American, primarily in how citizenship is acquired and some political rights.
A natural-born American is someone who obtains U.S. citizenship at birth. This can occur in two ways: through the principle of jus soli (right of the soil), which grants citizenship to anyone born on U.S. territory, including the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and certain territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands; or through jus sanguinis (right of blood), when an individual is born abroad but automatically acquires citizenship by being the child of U.S. citizens, subject to certain exceptions and provided that the parents meet specific legal requirements before the birth.
On the other hand, a naturalized American is someone who was born a foreign national and later obtained U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process. To do so, the individual must meet requirements such as being a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) for a specified period, demonstrating good moral character, passing an English and civics test, and taking an oath of allegiance to the United States.
Although a naturalized citizen enjoys nearly the same rights as a natural-born American, there is one important exception: only natural-born citizens can hold the offices of President and Vice President of the United States, as established by the Constitution. Otherwise, both have equal rights, including the right to vote and the ability to hold most public offices.
Thus, while a natural-born American automatically receives citizenship at birth, a naturalized American must go through a formal process to acquire it. However, both share nearly all rights and responsibilities within American society.
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