Section: American Government: Rights & Responsibilities

68. How can people become United States citizens?

Official answer

  • • Be born in the United States, under the conditions set by the 14th Amendment
  • • Naturalize
  • • Derive citizenship (under conditions set by Congress)

Why

People become citizens by birth (per the 14th Amendment), by naturalization, or by deriving it from a parent.

Answers verified against USCIS materials. Last checked 2026-07-17.

Official source: USCIS — 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025)