There is much confusion regarding American State Nationals and their status in the United States. It is important to define National Status and how it differs from Citizenship for better understanding.
What is National Status?
National Status refers to individuals who are recognized as nationals of the United States or any of its territories. These individuals owe allegiance to the United States, but they do not have all the same rights as United States Citizens.
How is Nationality Different from Citizenship?
Citizenship refers to individuals who have been granted all the privileges and benefits accorded to a United States Citizen. The term nationality, on the other hand, refers to a person’s legal status- indicating that he or she is a citizen of a country and owes allegiance to that country.
What is the Difference Between U.S Citizenship and Nationality?
U.S. Citizenship and Nationality are two different things and not interchangeable. While both signify an individual’s legal status in the United States, Citizenship entails full and unrestricted rights within the country, including the right to vote and hold public office. In contrast, Nationality implies that an individual is legally recognized as being part of the United States but may not possess all the privileges granted to a Citizen.
What are the Benefits of Having National Status?
One of the benefits of National Status is the ability to work in the United States that other foreign nationals might not have. Additionally, National status may allow individuals to travel to outlying territories without a passport. American State Nationals may hold passports from the US Department of State, enabling them to travel within the United States and its territories, but not internationally.
How to Obtain American State National Status?
What is the Process of Naturalization?
The process of naturalization is how a foreign national becomes a United States Citizen. The steps involved in this process entail applying for citizenship, taking the citizenship exam, and attending an interview. Once all the requirements are met, the individual can take the Oath of Allegiance, and they become a United States Citizen.
What are the Requirements to Apply for Naturalization?
The requirements to apply for Naturalization are relatively straightforward; the applicant must be at least 18 years old, have Permanent Resident status, have lived in the US for at least five years, be of good moral character and fluently speak and read English.
What is the Role of USCIS in the Naturalization Process?
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) play a vital role in the naturalization process. They are responsible for processing applications, conducting citizenship interviews, and administering the Oath of Allegiance.
What are the Differences Between National and Permanent Resident Status?
Can American State Nationals Travel to Outlying U.S Territories Without a Passport?
Yes, American State Nationals can travel to outlying U.S territories in the same way that United States Citizens can, without a passport. This is because American State Nationals are recognized as United States Nationals, and they do not require a passport.
What is the Status of American Samoans and Swains Island Residents?
American Samoans and Swains Island Residents are considered United States Nationals but not Citizens. They can obtain American State National status upon request, but they cannot apply for citizenship automatically as residents from other areas can. United States law also does not apply automatically on their islands, so they follow local legislation that applies to them.
In Conclusion, American State Nationals are individuals recognized as nationals of the United States, and they owe allegiance to the country but do not possess all the same rights accorded to United States Citizens. The benefits of National Status include the ability to work in the United States and travel to outlying U.S territories without a passport. Obtaining National Status is a different process than becoming a United States Citizen. Overall, the status of American Samoa and Swains Island Residents differs from that of other Americans as none of the benefits of being a United States Citizen automatically applies to them.
