What Is the Difference Between a Citizen and a National

The terms citizen and national describe different legal statuses in the United States. While many people use the terms interchangeably, they carry distinct meanings, rights, and implications. This article explains how the two statuses are defined, how they’re acquired, and what each status means for voting, eligibility for offices, travel, and government benefits.

Overview Of The Distinction

In U.S. law, a citizen is someone who has full membership in the body politic with the right to vote in federal elections, hold most public offices, and receive the full protection and duties that come with citizenship. A national, by contrast, is someone who owes allegiance to the United States but does not have all the rights and privileges of citizenship. The most commonly cited example of a national status is a person born in American Samoa or Swains Island. While nationals are entitled to certain protections and privileges, they do not possess the same voting rights or eligibility for most federal offices as citizens.

How Citizenship Is Acquired

Citizenship in the United States can be acquired by birth in U.S. territory or the 50 states, through naturalization after meeting residency and character requirements, or through special provisions for certain categories (such as parents who are citizens). Born to U.S. citizen parents abroad can also confer citizenship at birth under specific conditions. Naturalized citizens take an oath of allegiance and obtain a U.S. passport, voting rights, and eligibility for most federal and many state and local offices.

Who Is A National?

A U.S. national owes allegiance to the United States but does not enjoy every right of a citizen. Nationals include people born in American Samoa and Swains Island. They are counted as nationals on many government forms, but they do not automatically become U.S. citizens at birth. Nationals can live, work, and travel with the protections of U.S. law, but they cannot vote in federal elections and are generally ineligible for the most offices that require citizenship status. Nationals may pursue naturalization to become citizens if they meet the applicable requirements.

Rights And Limitations: Citizens Versus Nationals

• Voting: Citizens can vote in federal elections and most state/local elections. Nationals cannot vote in federal elections and typically have no voting rights for federal offices.
• Public Office: Citizens are eligible to hold most federal and many state offices, including the presidency, which requires natural-born or naturalized citizenship. Nationals are not eligible for most federal offices and cannot become President or Vice President.
• Passport And Travel: Citizens receive U.S. passports and full travel privileges. Nationals also have a form of U.S. travel documentation, but it does not confer all the same rights as a U.S. passport. In practice, many nationals use U.S. passports when they have them, and N-400 naturalization grants citizenship with a passport upon approval.
• Eligibility For Benefits: Citizens have broad eligibility for federal benefits, public programs, and certain protections. Nationals receive protections under U.S. law and can access many programs, but some benefits are conditioned on citizenship status.
• Due Process And Protections: Both groups are protected under U.S. law, but citizenship provides broader rights in political participation and civic duties.

Pathways From National To Citizen

For U.S. nationals who wish to become citizens, the naturalization process is available, subject to standard requirements such as lawful residence, good moral character, proficiency in English, knowledge of U.S. civics, and an oath of allegiance. Although the pathway exists, the process can be lengthy and requires meeting all statutory criteria. Once naturalized, the individual becomes eligible for a U.S. passport, federal benefits, and the full set of rights afforded to citizens.

Practical Implications For Residents And Families

Understanding the citizen-national distinction matters in daily life and long-term planning. For families with mixed statuses, this distinction can influence decisions about voting participation, eligibility for public benefits, and community engagement. It can also affect how individuals participate in civic life, pursue higher office, or interact with federal agencies. In education, employment, and travel, the status of a parent or child can influence which rights are available at different times and under various programs.

Common Questions About The Difference

1. Can a U.S. national vote in federal elections? No. Nationals do not have voting rights in federal elections, though they may vote in some local elections depending on state law.
2. Can a national become a citizen? Yes. Nationals may apply for naturalization if they meet the standard naturalization requirements.
3. Do nationals have to pay taxes? Yes. National status does not exempt individuals from U.S. federal taxes, where applicable, though specific tax rules may differ by circumstance.
4. Can a national hold federal office? Generally no. Most federal offices require U.S. citizenship, not just national status.
5. What about passports? Citizens receive U.S. passports. Nationals may have travel documentation, but it does not confer the same range of rights as a passport.

Key Takeaways

Citizen and national are distinct statuses with different rights. Citizenship provides full political participation, access to most federal offices, and a U.S. passport. National status, while offering allegiance and certain protections, does not grant voting rights in federal elections or eligibility for federal offices. Nationals may pursue naturalization to attain full citizenship if they meet all requirements.