Citizen

Definition

A citizen is an individual who is recognized under the law as a legal member of a sovereign state or belonging to a nation. Citizenship comes with rights, duties, and privileges and includes access to protection by the state’s laws. In the context of the United States, a U.S. citizen can be someone who is born within the territory of the U.S., derived citizenship through U.S. citizen parents, or has gone through the naturalization process.

Types of Citizenship:

Birthright Citizenship: Granted to individuals born in a country, regardless of their parents’ nationality (in jus soli jurisdictions like the U.S.).
Citizenship by Descent: Granted to individuals born to parents who are citizens of that country (jus sanguinis jurisdictions).
Naturalized Citizenship: Granted to individuals who have fulfilled the required legal process for becoming a citizen.
Dual Citizenship: When an individual is concurrently regarded as a citizen under the laws of more than one state.

Examples

U.S.-Born Citizen: A person born in New York to American parents automatically acquires U.S. citizenship.
Citizenship Through Adoption: A foreign-born child adopted by U.S. citizens may become a citizen through the Child Citizenship Act.
Naturalized U.S. Citizen: An immigrant who has legally resided in the U.S. for the requisite number of years and has completed the naturalization process can become a U.S. citizen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How can one become a U.S. citizen? A1: One can become a U.S. citizen by birth, through U.S. citizen parents, or by naturalization.

Q2: What are the requirements for naturalization in the U.S.? A2: Requirements include being at least 18 years old, having lawful permanent resident status for at least 5 years (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), having continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S., demonstrating the ability to read, write, and speak basic English, having knowledge of U.S. history and government, and demonstrating good moral character.

Q3: Can a U.S. citizen lose their citizenship? A3: Yes, a U.S. citizen can lose their citizenship through voluntary actions such as renouncing it formally, or by engaging in acts of treason.

Q4: What are the benefits of U.S. citizenship? A4: Benefits include the right to vote, the ability to run for public office, eligibility for federal employment, freedom to travel on a U.S. passport, and protection against deportation.

Q5: Is dual citizenship allowed in the United States? A5: Yes, dual citizenship is recognized in the U.S., meaning individuals can hold U.S. citizenship and citizenship of another country concurrently.

Naturalization: The process by which a non-citizen becomes a citizen of a country.
Jus Soli: The right of anyone born in the territory of a state to nationality or citizenship.
Jus Sanguinis: The right of blood, meaning nationality or citizenship is not determined by place of birth but by having one or both parents who are nationals of the state.
Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR): A non-citizen who has been granted authorization to live and work in the U.S. on a permanent basis.
Alien: Any person who is not a citizen or national of a country.

Online References

Suggested Books for Further Studies

“Becoming a U.S. Citizen: A Guide to the Law, Exam & Interview” by Ilona Bray
“Citizenship Reimagined: A New Framework for State Rights in the United States” by Allan Colbern and Karthick Ramakrishnan
“Immigration and Citizenship in the Twenty-First Century” by Noah M. J. Pickus
“The Walls Within: The Politics of Immigration in Modern America” by Sarah R. Coleman
“The Citizen and the Alien: Dilemmas of Contemporary Membership” by Linda Bosniak

Fundamentals of Citizenship: Business Law Basics Quiz

### What does birthright citizenship refer to? - [ ] Citizenship granted by marriage to a citizen. - [ ] The right to citizenship after five years of residence. - [ ] Citizenship acquired by purchase of property. - [x] Citizenship granted to individuals born in a country. > **Explanation:** Birthright citizenship is granted to individuals born in a country, regardless of their parents' nationality. ### How can a foreign-born person primarily become a U.S. citizen? - [x] By naturalization - [ ] By disregarding their previous citizenship - [ ] By purchasing real estate - [ ] By simply moving to the United States > **Explanation:** A foreign-born person primarily becomes a U.S. citizen through the process of naturalization, which includes fulfilling certain residency and legal criteria. ### What is dual citizenship? - [ ] The ownership of two passports. - [ ] A way to switch between two legal systems. - [x] Being concurrently recognized as a citizen under the laws of two different states. - [ ] Having two homes in different countries. > **Explanation:** Dual citizenship means being concurrently recognized as a citizen under the laws of two different states. ### Who is responsible for the naturalization process in the United States? - [ ] The Department of Defense - [x] U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) - [ ] The Federal Reserve - [ ] The House of Representatives > **Explanation:** U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is responsible for the naturalization process in the United States. ### What is required for an individual to apply for U.S. naturalization? - [ ] Ownership of U.S. property - [x] Lawful permanent residence status - [ ] Marriage to a U.S. citizen - [ ] Ownership of a U.S. bank account > **Explanation:** Among other requirements, lawful permanent residence status is necessary for an individual to apply for U.S. naturalization. ### What is meant by the term 'jus sanguinis'? - [ ] Law of the land - [x] Right of blood - [ ] National service obligation - [ ] Law of nationality > **Explanation:** 'Jus sanguinis' refers to the right of blood, meaning nationality or citizenship is determined by having one or both parents who are nationals of the state. ### Which authority grants U.S. citizenship through adoption for foreign-born children? - [ ] U.S. Department of Education - [ ] U.S. Treasury Department - [x] U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) - [ ] Department of Health and Human Services > **Explanation:** U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) grants citizenship through adoption for foreign-born children through the Child Citizenship Act. ### How can U.S. citizenship be involuntarily lost? - [x] Engaging in acts of treason - [ ] Moving to another country - [ ] Voting in a local election abroad - [ ] Serving in a foreign military without permission > **Explanation:** U.S. citizenship can be involuntarily lost if an individual engages in acts of treason against the country. ### Who is ineligible to apply for U.S. naturalization? - [ ] Those who are U.S. veterans - [x] Those with certain criminal records - [ ] Those who have received awards for community service - [ ] Those with bachelor's degrees from U.S. institutions > **Explanation:** Individuals with certain criminal records are ineligible to apply for U.S. naturalization due to the requirement of good moral character. ### Which U.S. constitutional amendment defines citizenship and its parameters clearly? - [ ] First Amendment - [ ] Fifth Amendment - [ ] Tenth Amendment - [x] Fourteenth Amendment > **Explanation:** The Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution defines citizenship and its parameters clearly, including citizenship by birth in the U.S.

Thank you for diving into the legal complexities of citizenship and challenging yourself with our comprehensive quiz questions. Keep expanding your understanding of legal and immigration principles!