Introduction
If you or a family member is going through the process to become a citizen of the United States, you may realize that it can be a challenge. In order for most people to become citizens of the United States, they go through the process of naturalization. There are many people who go through naturalization each year, approximately 818,500 to be exact. There are other ways that a person can become a citizen of the U.S. One of those is through citizenship by derivation. The challenges of each type of naturalization and the ways in which you can meet all of the requirements needed to become an American citizen and all of the rights that come with being a citizen are also described in this article.
Define Naturalized and Derived Citizenship
For many non-US nationals all over the world, gaining US citizenship is the ultimate goal. There are many processes, rules and even forms involved with reaching this goal, however by learning the two main types of US citizenship: naturalized or derived (also known as acquired) US citizenship, non-US nationals can better prepare themselves or their families for the processes needed to become a naturalized US citizen.
In order to become a naturalized US citizen, a non-US national can seek naturalization by meeting and following the requirements and guidelines of the US government in order to take the Oath of Allegiance to the US and become a naturalized citizen of the United States. In fiscal year 2024, a total of 818,500 US citizenships were granted by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) through the process of naturalization.
Parents who are naturalized as U.S. citizens can make their children U.S. citizens as well. Children are considered to acquire or derive U.S. nationality through their parent(s) if they are under the age of 18 when their parent(s) become a naturalized U.S. national. The child or children must be a biological child, a child who has been legitimized, or an adopted child of the newly naturalized U.S. national parent(s).
Education regarding both naturalized and acquired nationality will better serve you and your family and their rights. In both naturalized and acquired nationality, there are identical rights and privileges granted to both citizens. There are huge differences in how a person can obtain both statuses. For families with children, it can be a very difficult process to navigate the naturalization process of U.S. citizens.
The immigration lawyers at Vasquez Law Firm can guide you through the process of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen. The USCIS process of applying for naturalization may include old arrest records, long absences from the country, and many other factors. It is always recommended to have the best immigration lawyers, such as the qualified lawyers at Vasquez Law Firm, to handle your application.
Our services are provided at competitive prices, with flexible payment plans. Our services include naturalization of U.S. citizens, as well as obtaining green cards and visas to enter the country. Our Immigration Attorneys are highly experienced and will work with you to make sure that you get the service that you deserve. Vasquez Law Firm’s excellent bilingual services are available 24/7 in English and in Spanish.
Explore the Processes for Obtaining Citizenship
While it is relatively easy for some to immigrate to the U.S., becoming a citizen of the U.S. can pose many challenges for other immigrants. First, a determination must be made as to whether the individual is eligible to become a citizen. Typically, this is given to lawful permanent residents that have been residents for 5 years from the date that they became lawful permanent residents. In certain cases, spouses of U.S. citizens may be eligible for naturalization in as little as 3 years, provided that the spouse meets the requirements for good moral character, and can demonstrate ability of reading and writing of English and an understanding of the fundamental principles of the basic system of government of the United States by taking the naturalization test provided by USCIS. An individual who is deemed eligible applies for naturalization by submitting application N-400 for Naturalization, along with supporting documentation and required fees for application, and biometrics. Time frames for processing N-400 Applications vary from 6 to 14 months and are influenced by local USCIS field office workload and whether submitted documentation and necessary supporting documentation was/mere sufficient to enable admissibility evaluation for approval of application for naturalization.
After you submit your Application for Naturalization (N-400), you will receive your receipt notice within 1-3 weeks after USCIS has received your application. Approximately 3-8 weeks after your biometrics appointment, you will have your Naturalization Interview where you will be tested on the application of American history and the foundation of the system of government of the United States. If you are successful in your interview, then you will take the Oath of Allegiance to become a U.S. citizen.
Conversely, children typically obtain derivative status which can then become naturalized or even derived U.S. citizen status as soon as their parent naturalizes, as long as the child is under the age of 18 and was a lawful permanent resident at the time of the parent’s naturalization. The various avenues in which individuals are searching for status and assistance in seeking legal status is one of the various ways in which we practice at the Vasquez Law Firm.
Everyone deserves to have someone in their corner. At Vasquez Law Firm, we are dedicated to practicing in a pro-immigrant, pro-human manner and providing the highest quality legal representation to you and your loved ones. We host free community workshops in English and in Spanish on ‘Know Your Rights’ and can provide you with a free consultation to go over your application and discuss the scope of work and payment plan for any follow-up work that may be needed. Recently, we posted a woman’s naturalization application had been denied because she was not adequately prepared for the test on American history and the system of government of the United States administered as part of the naturalization process by USCIS as part of the naturalization test. However, with the aid of community organizations that we partner with, she was able to naturalize. We can assist you on your journey to citizenship whether it be through one of the various paths of naturalization or through another legal status. Let us assist you on your long journey to achieving your goal.
Examine Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens
Many new Americans can find it difficult to learn about the rights and duties of citizens in the US. If new Americans were to become more informed about their rights as citizens, not only would they become more active as members of society, they would also feel at home in the US. In addition to obvious responsibilities of all citizens such as compliance with laws and paying taxes, all citizens have other responsibilities such as serving on a jury when called. When new Americans have all the information about their rights and responsibilities as members of society, they can become part of their community and express needs of their community.
75% of U.S. adults believe that if they voted in past local elections, it had a positive impact in their neighborhood or community in 2026. Only 56% of U.S. adults today self-identify as being somewhat or very civically engaged. The experience of a group of women new to this country, a group of newly minted citizens from around the world, with interest in public service. Just like me, the women in my Circle have learned to speak up. Many were quiet at first but as they got to know each other the interest and contributions of all members became more and more obvious and very meaningful. This case study, Immigration 101: How To Integrate New Citizens into Civic Life, follows the women of The Policy Circle’s first all-immigrant Circle as they learn about Immigration 101, and then apply that knowledge in serving the civic needs of their new country.
There is much that new immigrants can do to help America move towards a more democratic, inclusive society by surmounting the cultural, language, etc. barriers to participating fully as members of society and a country - and that of great value to themselves as they grasp and solidify their civic identity and their sense of belonging to this country by fulfilling the rights and responsibilities of members of a democratic system. To be a member of a society is not just to be a status, it is a commitment to the community of that society and to the country in which that society exists.
Identify Eligibility Criteria and Common Scenarios
Becoming a U.S. Citizen can be very difficult to start if you don’t know where to begin. For many individuals starting out on their road to U.S. Citizenship, learning about Naturalized or Derivative U.S. Citizens and the requirements for qualification of Naturalization candidates can be a great place to begin. To be considered for Naturalization, applicants must meet certain requirements. The first is that the applicant must be at least 18 years old and be a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years prior to application. If the applicant is married to a U.S. Citizen, however, only 3 years of lawful permanent resident status is required. Additionally, applicants must prove physical residence within the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years preceding the date of their application for Naturalization. Finally, all applicants for Naturalization must show that they are individuals of good moral character and pass the naturalization test given to all candidates for Naturalization. The test consists of two sections: one dealing with English and the other dealing with civics.
So the question what is a naturalized or derived U.S. citizen is not superfluous. For instance, if one of your parents recently became a U.S. citizen, then you are either a naturalized or even a derived U.S. citizen. This refers to children born abroad to naturalized citizens as well as to adopted children of U.S. citizens.
The process for citizenship has become more challenging for individuals applying for Naturalization in recent years. In addition to the individual applying for Naturalization needing to demonstrate good moral character, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services also looks more closely at an individual’s “neighborhood” and “community” to determine whether or not the individual meets citizenship requirements. Even highly experienced organizations, such as CLINIC, which serves over 500,000 immigrants and their families and provides information about legal status and Naturalization for a variety of immigrant categories, notes that the processes for legal status for would-be immigrants are very complex.
If you are considering applying for Naturalization, it is very important that you are prepared to apply for the N-400 form. To apply for Naturalization, you will need to submit a copy of your ‘green card’ permanent residence card, a recent photograph, and any other relevant documentation such as copies of documents which show any name change(s) that have occurred since the date on which your green card was issued. Naturalization is not just an application process; it is also a way for individuals to declare your commitment to the country and the values that Americans and Naturalized Americans share.
Conclusion
Immigration law is very complex and in some circumstances can be confusing. Most people trying to obtain U.S. citizenship are trying to become Naturalized U.S. Citizens or Derived U.S. Citizens. Derived U.S. Citizens obtain U.S. citizenship automatically when one of their parents becomes a Naturalized U.S. Citizen. To become a Naturalized U.S. Citizen one must meet certain qualifications and then take the Oath of Allegiance in order to become a full rights and full responsibilities citizen. Knowing the difference between Naturalized and Derived U.S. Citizens is very important for individuals trying to become citizens.
As individuals preparing to become citizens of the United States of America it is always good to have a lot of knowledge and facts about becoming a citizen as well as all of the rights of a U.S. citizen. Our office at Vasquez Law Firm has provided you and our students with information to kick start the naturalization process. Our qualified team can assist their clients as well as students by going through the process of U.S. immigration and naturalized citizenship. In preparation for the naturalization test, as well as rest of the application, the staff at Vasquez Law Firm can also give their clients the tools needed in order to pass. As mentioned before, we work with our clients in finding the best payment option to fit their financial status, and we even have a free consultation to assist you as well as our other clients. We here at Vasquez Law Firm strive to make the long process to becoming a U.S. citizen as smooth and as painless as possible.
Becoming a citizen of the U.S. means more than gaining permission to live in this country. As a democratic society, we are founded on and rely on the values of new citizens to our communities. These newly minted citizens must understand and embody the full rights and responsibilities of a position and be able to adequately speak for and negotiate on their own behalf in civic affairs. It is truly worth it to take on the long and arduous task of becoming a U.S. citizen and Vasquez Law Firm will be right there by your side the entire time to help answer any questions along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two main types of U.S. citizenship?
The two main types of U.S. citizenship are naturalized citizenship and derived (or acquired) citizenship.
How can a non-U.S. national become a naturalized U.S. citizen?
A non-U.S. national can become a naturalized U.S. citizen by meeting the requirements and guidelines set by the U.S. government and taking the Oath of Allegiance.
How many U.S. citizenships were granted through naturalization in fiscal year 2024?
In fiscal year 2024, a total of 818,500 U.S. citizenships were granted through the process of naturalization by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Can children of naturalized U.S. citizens also become U.S. citizens?
Yes, children can acquire U.S. citizenship through their naturalized parent(s) if they are under the age of 18 when their parent(s) become naturalized U.S. citizens.
What types of children can derive U.S. citizenship from their naturalized parents?
Children who can derive U.S. citizenship include biological children, legitimized children, and adopted children of the newly naturalized U.S. citizen parent(s).
What rights and privileges do naturalized and derived U.S. citizens have?
Both naturalized and derived U.S. citizens are granted identical rights and privileges.
Why is it important to understand the naturalization process?
Understanding the naturalization process is important for families, especially those with children, as it can be complex and challenging to navigate.
How can Vasquez Law Firm assist with the naturalization process?
Vasquez Law Firm can guide individuals through the naturalization process, addressing factors such as old arrest records and long absences from the country.
What services does Vasquez Law Firm offer related to immigration?
Vasquez Law Firm offers services for naturalization, obtaining green cards, and visas, with competitive pricing and flexible payment plans.
Are bilingual services available at Vasquez Law Firm?
Yes, Vasquez Law Firm provides excellent bilingual services in English and Spanish, available 24/7.
List of Sources
- Define Naturalized and Derived Citizenship
- Stripping Naturalized Americans of Citizenship Faces High Legal Hurdles (https://brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/stripping-naturalized-americans-citizenship-faces-high-legal-hurdles)
- What is a Naturalized Citizen? What is a Derived Citizen? Understanding The Difference - Warren Law Firm (https://warrenlawfirm.net/what-does-naturalized-or-derived-citizen-mean)
- Naturalization Statistics | USCIS (https://uscis.gov/citizenship-resource-center/naturalization-statistics)
- Naturalized vs. Derived U.S. Citizen – What’s the Difference? - Rebecca Black Immigration Law (https://rebeccablacklaw.com/naturalized-vs-derived-u-s-citizen-whats-the-difference)
- Naturalized vs. Derived U.S. Citizen – What’s the Difference? (https://ppid.com/blog/naturalized-or-derived-us-citizen)
- Explore the Processes for Obtaining Citizenship
- USCIS Announces Major Changes to the Naturalization Process | Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) (https://cliniclegal.org/resources/religious-immigration-law/uscis-announces-major-changes-naturalization-process)
- Form N-400 Processing Times (June 2026): How Long It Takes (https://immigrationdirect.com/blog/n-400-processing-time-guide)
- Welcome.US | 6 policy changes impacting the citizenship process (https://welcome.us/explainers/6-policy-changes-impacting-the-citizenship-process)
- Requirements to Obtain U.S. Citizenship in 2026 | Full Guide (https://eptxlawyers.com/requirements-to-obtain-u-s-citizenship-in-2026-everything-you-need-to-know)
- USCIS Unveils First Changes to Naturalization Test in Multi-Step Overhaul of American Citizenship Standards (https://uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-unveils-first-changes-to-naturalization-test-in-multi-step-overhaul-of-american-citizenship)
- Examine Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens
- Citizenship and Civic Engagement Among New Americans: Arab, Asian, and Latino Americans During a Shifting Political Landscape | UC Law Journal (https://uclawjournal.org/citizenship-and-civic-engagement-among-new-americans-arab-asian-and-latino-americans-during-a-shifting-political-landscape)
- Civic Engagement: A Vital Sign of Health and Democracy (https://aamchealthjustice.org/news/polling/civic-engagement)
- Civic Engagement (https://thepolicycircle.org/briefs/civic-engagement)
- New citizens and civic engagement | Center for civic design (https://civicdesign.org/reports/new-citizens-and-civic-engagement)
- Voter Turnout in Presidential Elections | The American Presidency Project (https://presidency.ucsb.edu/statistics/data/voter-turnout-in-presidential-elections)
- Identify Eligibility Criteria and Common Scenarios
- USCIS Announces Major Changes to the Naturalization Process | Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) (https://cliniclegal.org/resources/religious-immigration-law/uscis-announces-major-changes-naturalization-process)
- Requirements to Obtain U.S. Citizenship in 2026 | Full Guide (https://eptxlawyers.com/requirements-to-obtain-u-s-citizenship-in-2026-everything-you-need-to-know)
- Understanding the recent changes to the U.S. Citizenship process - Garfinkel Immigration Law Firm (https://garfinkelimmigration.com/2025/10/01/understanding-the-recent-changes-to-the-u-s-citizenship-process)
- Changes in the U.S. Naturalization Process for Permanent Residents Applying for U.S. Citizenship | DeWitt LLP Law Firm (https://dewittllp.com/news/2025/10/03/changes-in-the-u.s.-naturalization-process-for-permanent-residents-applying-for-u.s.-citizenship)
