Becoming a citizen of a country is an essential step toward immigrants seeking to make a home in a foreign land. Citizenship offers legal rights, such as the right to vote and even to contest for political office in some countries. However, the process of obtaining citizenship can be quite challenging. It is even more challenging when you do not understand the pathways to citizenship in the country you wish to make your home. In this blog post, we will discuss two of the most common pathways to citizenship: acquisition and derivation.
Acquisition refers to the process of obtaining citizenship by birth or by naturalization. Birthright citizenship applies when a child is born of parents who are already citizens of the country. The US uses the concept of jus soli, meaning right of the soil. This means that any child born on US soil is automatically granted US citizenship. On the other hand, naturalization is the process of acquiring citizenship after fulfilling specific requirements such as a period of stay, language and history tests, and good moral standing. In the US, legal permanent residents must meet the eligibility requirements to apply for naturalization. Once they meet these requirements, they can apply, and if approved, they will become US citizens.
Derivation, on the other hand, refers to the process of obtaining citizenship through a family member. Children under the age of 18 may acquire citizenship through their parents if one or both of their parents become naturalized citizens or if a parent is a US citizen by birth. Parents may also acquire citizenship through a child who has already become a citizen. For example, if a child becomes a US citizen through birthright citizenship or naturalization, their parents may apply for citizenship by derivation.
It is essential to note that the pathways to citizenship vary from country to country. In some countries, jus sanguinis (right of blood) applies, and citizenship is passed down through a family’s bloodline. Others may require marriage or a significant investment in the country before granting citizenship.
In the United States, the path to citizenship can be challenging in some ways. However, there are resources available to help immigrants navigate the system. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides online resources and assistance to those seeking citizenship through acquisition or derivation. Working with an experienced immigration attorney can also ease the process, ensuring that all requirements are met accurately and on time.
Understanding the pathways to citizenship is critical for immigrants seeking to build a home in a foreign country. Many countries have different pathways to citizenship, and it is essential to understand the eligibility requirements before embarking on the process. In the United States, citizenship through acquisition and derivation is possible, with specific requirements, such as good moral conduct, language and history tests, and residency requirements. It is essential to note that the process can be complex, but with the right resources and assistance, immigrants can successfully navigate the path to citizenship.