The difference between citizenship and naturalization lies in how US citizenship is acquired. You can achieve citizenship in the US if:

• You prove birthright citizenship. Under the 14th Amendment, “all persons born or naturalized in the United States... are citizens of the United States.”
• You are born outside of the United States to one or two US citizen parents at the time of your birth. Depending on the year of your birth, there are time requirements for one or both of your parents to have been present in the United States prior to your birth.
• You derive citizenship through your parents’ naturalization after your birth:

  As of February 27, 2001, you can derive citizenship automatically if you are or outside of the United States and, before your 18th birthday, you are:

  - A lawful resident

  - In the legal and physical custody of a biological parent who obtained naturalization after your birth

  Before February 27, 2001, the laws were more restrictive, and eligibility depended on the year of your birth.

At Vernon & Associates, we understand the complexities of these rules and can determine whether you may have acquired citizenship at birth or before your 18th birthday.

Naturalization, on the other hand, is the process by which lawful permanent residents are granted US citizenship. To qualify, applicants must meet specific requirements outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).