Citizen

A citizen is an individual who is entitled to the protection and membership of a specific nation state. A citizen is also supposed to pledge their allegiance and support to their country. To be a United States' citizen a person must have been born in the United States or certain territories or outlying possessions of the United States and subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, or they have parents who were citizens at the time of their birth.

Individuals may also become citizens after their birth if they apply for naturalization by fulfilling the requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Basic requirements include learning English and passing a United States' history and government test. Citizens may also derive or acquire citizenship through their parents, although there are very specific requirements the child must meet.

If a child's parents served in the U.S. military there are special provisions for citizenship. Additionally, it is possible for some individuals to gain dual citizenship in the United States and maintain citizenship with their native country.

The United States has historically been known for welcoming immigrants from all countries and nationalities. Americans believe our country is one of unprecedented opportunity and freedom for people who want to come to this great nation and fight and live to preserve its legacy of individual freedom. The U.S. Government, however, does have specific requirements which must be met to ensure its citizens are loyal to the U.S. Constitution.