Legal Definitions - Naturalization Clause

The Naturalization Clause is a fundamental part of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It establishes that any person either born in the United States or naturalized according to U.S. law is automatically a citizen of the United States. Furthermore, it declares that such individuals are also citizens of the state where they reside.

This clause is crucial because it defines who is a U.S. citizen, encompassing both those who gain citizenship by birth on U.S. soil (often referred to as birthright citizenship) and those who acquire it through a legal process after immigrating.

• Example 1: Birthright Citizenship for Children of Non-Citizens

  A couple from France is visiting New York City on a tourist visa. While in New York, the woman unexpectedly gives birth to a baby. Even though both parents are French citizens and not permanent residents of the U.S., their child is automatically a U.S. citizen from birth because they were born on U.S. soil.

  This illustrates the Naturalization Clause by demonstrating that being "born in the United States" is sufficient to confer U.S. citizenship, regardless of the parents' nationality or immigration status.

• Example 2: Immigrant Becoming a Citizen

  Maria immigrated to the United States from Mexico ten years ago as a lawful permanent resident. After meeting all the residency requirements, demonstrating good moral character, passing a civics and English test, and taking an oath of allegiance, she successfully completes the legal process to become a U.S. citizen.

  This example highlights the "naturalized in the United States" aspect of the clause. Maria, through the formal naturalization process, gains full U.S. citizenship, just as if she had been born here.

• Example 3: State Citizenship for a Naturalized Citizen

  Ahmed, originally from Egypt, became a naturalized U.S. citizen while living in California. Five years later, he decides to move to Texas for a new job opportunity. Upon establishing residency in Texas, Ahmed automatically becomes a citizen of Texas.

  This demonstrates the second part of the Naturalization Clause, which states that a U.S. citizen is also a citizen "of the state of residence." Ahmed's U.S. citizenship, acquired through naturalization, automatically grants him citizenship in whichever U.S. state he legally resides.