Naturalised citizens represent a vital aspect of any nation’s identity. They embody the spirit of diversity, resilience, and commitment to their adopted country. This article delves into what it means to be a naturalised citizen, the process involved, and the significance of this status in fostering social cohesion.
What does naturalised citizen mean?
A naturalised citizen is someone who has acquired citizenship in a country other than their country of birth through a legal process. This process of changing nationality, known as naturalisation, typically involves fulfilling certain requirements set by the country’s laws, which may include physical presence, residency requirements, language proficiency, and knowledge of the country’s culture or constitution.
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Can you be naturalised if your parents aren’t citizens?
Yes, a person can be naturalised even if their parents are not citizens. Naturalisation is an independent process from the citizenship status of one’s parents, also known as citizenship by decent. Naturalisation commonly involves fulfilling specific requirements set by the country in which one seeks citizenship. This can include residency, language and knowledge requirements.
For instance, in the United Kingdom, naturalisation is available to individuals regardless of their parents’ citizenship status. The process requires applicants to have lived in the UK for at least five years, with at least one year as a permanent resident. Further, they need to demonstrate knowledge of English and understanding of life in the UK. The citizenship status of the parents does not impact eligibility for naturalisation.
Parental citizenship and legal framework
In India, naturalisation is also possible irrespective of the parents’ citizenship. The Indian Citizenship Act (1955) allows for naturalisation if an individual has resided in India for at least 12 years (with specific conditions) and has lived in the country for the 12 months preceding the application. The parents’ citizenship does not affect the applicant’s naturalisation process.
Similarly, in France, individuals can apply for naturalisation without regard to their parents’ citizenship status. French law requires that applicants have resided in France for five years. Additionally the must demonstrate integration into French society, and meet other criteria. The process is based on the applicant’s own residency and integration, not their parents’ nationality.
Naturalisation is determined by the individual’s fulfilment of the country’s legal requirements, rather than the citizenship status of their parents. The processes are oftentimes reformed, with changes inspired by various factors such as socioeconomic and political events. Regardless of the country or the process, the result is often that the person is granted the same status and legal rights as that of a natural-born citizen of that country.
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How does an immigrant become a naturalised citizen?
In most countries, naturalisation is an alternative to being granted citizenship at birth, which usually occurs if a person is born within the country’s territory (jus soli) or to citizen parents (jus sanguinis). The naturalisation process allows immigrants who have moved to a country and fulfilled its legal criteria to become official citizens, thereby gaining the same rights and responsibilities as those born into citizenship.
For example, in the United States, an individual may apply for naturalisation after residing in the country as a lawful permanent resident for at least five years. Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of English and pass a civics test on U.S. history and government. Successful applicants receive citizenship and can participate in all civic activities, including voting and working as a federal employee.
In Canada, the process requires applicants to have lived in the country for at least three of the last five years, pass a test on Canadian history and laws, and prove proficiency in either English or French. Naturalised Canadian citizens enjoy the same rights as native-born citizens, including the ability to apply for a Canadian passport.
Similarly, in Australia, naturalisation requires applicants to have lived in the country for four years as a permanent resident, with at least one year as a resident immediately before applying. They must also pass a citizenship test and demonstrate their understanding of Australian values and history.
Naturalised citizens in these contexts gain full citizenship rights, such as the ability to vote, work, and live freely within the country. They also bear responsibilities, including adherence to the country’s laws and, in many cases, the obligation to perform civic duties such as jury service.
Naturalisation provides a structured pathway for immigrants to integrate into their new country, ensuring they can fully participate in and contribute to their adopted society.
Is someone who received their citizenship still an immigrant?
There is no universal definition for an immigrant. However, an immigrant is widely understood as a person who has migrated permanently to another state. According to the Oxford dictionary, an immigrant is, ‘a person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country.’ The European Commission defines it as, ‘In the global context, a non-resident (both national or alien) arriving in a State with the intention to remain for a period exceeding a year.’ Since the term ‘immigrant’ pertains to someone who has moved to a new country with the intent of settling but has not yet achieved full citizenship, once an individual has acquired citizenship through naturalisation, they are no longer considered an immigrant.
However, some people may refer to themselves as an immigrant when discussing their background despite receiving citizenship from the state they have moved to permanently. This can be for several reasons including an acknowledgement of their heritage, ethnicity, and lived experiences of migrating.
Additionally, there are other reasons why someone may be socially identified as an immigrant. For statistical purposes, a person may be considered an immigrant if data is being collected on immigration and migration.
A legal perspective on citizenship
From a legal standpoint, it is more complex. In the United Kingdom, the Government advises that once a person becomes a citizen, they are no longer subject to the immigration rules and restrictions. This supposes that the person is no longer considered an immigrant.
In Japan, for example, naturalised citizens are no longer regarded as immigrants. Japan’s naturalisation process requires applicants to have lived in the country for at least five years. Additionally the need to demonstrate financial stability, and show integration into Japanese society. Once granted citizenship, individuals are no longer considered immigrants but full members of Japanese society. That come with all the associated rights and responsibilities.
Similarly, in South Africa, naturalised citizens are distinct from immigrants. South African law requires applicants to have resided in the country for a minimum period. They also need to meet various other conditions, including demonstrating a commitment to the country. After naturalisation, individuals are no longer classified as immigrants but as citizens, enjoying the full rights of South African nationals.
In Germany, the process of naturalisation involves residing in the country for at least eight years. Other requirements include a language proficiency and passing a citizenship test. Once an individual becomes a German citizen, they are no longer an immigrant. German law recognises naturalised citizens as full participants in civic life. They are distinct from those who are still in the process of settling.
Naturalisation may mark the transition from immigrant status to full citizenship. Naturalised citizens will have completed all legal requirements and therefore no longer considered immigrants. They are integrated members of their respective societies, with all the rights and responsibilities that citizenship entails.
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