{"id":352745,"date":"2022-08-19T07:42:46","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:42:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/immigration\/citizenship\/citizenship-basics.html"},"modified":"2026-05-04T09:13:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T14:13:00","slug":"citizenship-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/citizenship\/citizenship-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"The Basics of U.S. Citizenship"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Basics of U.S. Citizenship<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Meagan Neil, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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U.S. citizenship<\/span> can be obtained by birth in the United States, through U.S. citizen<\/span> parents, or by completing the naturalization process<\/span>. Each path has specific eligibility rules, residency requirements<\/span>, and exceptions that may apply depending on a person\u2019s age, history, and immigration status.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Understanding these basics helps applicants determine how they qualify and what steps they must take to become U.S. citizens<\/span>.<\/p>\n

The process is a lot like putting together a puzzle. Each piece is different and important in creating the whole picture. If you or your family member<\/span> is thinking of becoming a U.S. citizen<\/span>, it is crucial to learn the pieces that you have to obtain for your case. You also have to learn how each piece fits in the application process.<\/p>\n

This article outlines the basics of citizenship application and the essential points to know if you are applying. You can also talk to an immigration attorney<\/a> near you for legal advice tailored to your situation. An attorney can explain your eligibility for citizenship and help you avoid mistakes that could result in delays or denials.<\/p>\n

Basis for Citizenship<\/h2>\n

The\u00a0U.S. Citizenship<\/span> and Immigration Services<\/span>\u00a0<\/a>(USCIS<\/span>), an agency of the Department of Homeland Security, is one of the central government agencies that processes citizenship.<\/p>\n

A person may acquire U.S. citizenship<\/span> by birth, blood, or naturalization<\/a>. Under the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), those born in the United States are automatically U.S. citizens<\/span>. An exception to this is the children of foreign diplomats.<\/p>\n

In addition, those born outside of the U.S. to U.S. citizen<\/span> parents<\/a> may also acquire U.S. citizenship<\/span>. But only if they fulfill certain conditions. These conditions may vary depending on the year of birth, the citizenship status of the child\u2019s parents, and whether the parents were married at the time the child was born. This process is called\u00a0derivative citizenship<\/a>\u00a0or \u201cacquisition of U.S. Citizenship<\/span> by a child born abroad.”<\/p>\n

People living in the United States may have varying immigration statuses, which can be either of the following:<\/p>\n