What is the Difference Between Citizenship and Naturalization?

The main difference between citizenship and naturalization lies in the ways one can acquire them. Citizenship is granted at birth or through other means, while naturalization is a process that confers citizenship upon a foreign national after meeting specific requirements. Here are the key differences:

Citizenship: This is the status of being a citizen, which is the legal bond between a person and a country. Citizenship grants certain rights, such as the right to live in that country, vote, be tried by courts of law in that country, and serve in its military or on juries. Citizenship can be acquired at birth in the U.S. or certain American territories, or by having parents who were citizens at the time of birth if born abroad.
Naturalization: This is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a lawful permanent resident after meeting the requirements established by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To qualify for naturalization, one must meet the following criteria: be at least 18 years of age, have lived in the United States for five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen), and be able to pass a civics test, among other requirements.

Both the Certificate of Naturalization and the Certificate of Citizenship serve as proof of U.S. citizenship, but they are issued under different circumstances. The Certificate of Naturalization is issued to foreign nationals who have successfully completed the naturalization process, while the Certificate of Citizenship is issued to individuals who acquired U.S. citizenship at birth through their parents or through other means, such as adoption.