Legal Definitions - citizen

A citizen is an individual who is formally recognized as a legal member of a specific country or political community. This membership grants them a set of defined rights and protections under that nation's laws, and in return, they typically owe allegiance and are expected to fulfill certain responsibilities.

Citizenship can be acquired in several ways, most commonly:

• By being born within a country's territory (often called birthright citizenship).
• By having parents who are citizens of that country, regardless of where the child is born.
• Through a legal process called naturalization, where an individual applies to become a citizen after meeting specific residency and other requirements.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of a citizen:

• Example 1 (Birthright Citizenship): A child named Sofia is born in Los Angeles, California, to parents who are not U.S. citizens but are legally residing in the country on work visas. Because she was born on U.S. soil, Sofia is automatically granted U.S. citizenship under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

  This illustrates how Sofia becomes a citizen by virtue of her birthplace, immediately acquiring all the rights and responsibilities of a U.S. citizen, such as the right to live and work in the U.S. and the future right to vote.

• Example 2 (Naturalization): Mr. Kim, an architect from South Korea, has lived and worked in Germany for eight years as a permanent resident. After demonstrating proficiency in the German language, passing a citizenship test, and meeting all other legal requirements, he successfully applies for and obtains German citizenship.

  This illustrates citizenship through naturalization. Mr. Kim was not born in Germany, nor were his parents German citizens. He followed a formal legal process to become a full member of the German nation, gaining the right to vote, hold a German passport, and enjoy all other civil rights and protections afforded to German citizens, while also accepting the responsibilities that come with it.

• Example 3 (Citizenship by Parentage): Liam is born in Rome, Italy, while his parents, both U.S. citizens, are temporarily living there for a work assignment. Despite being born outside the United States, Liam is considered a U.S. citizen because both of his parents are U.S. citizens.

  This illustrates how citizenship can be passed down from parents. Many countries have laws that grant citizenship to children born abroad if one or both parents are citizens, regardless of the child's birthplace. This means Liam has the same rights and responsibilities as someone born within the U.S., including the right to a U.S. passport and protection by the U.S. government.