Who is not a U.S. citizen?
Asked by: Sage Hintz | Last update: February 2, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (7 votes)
Someone not a U.S. citizen is a noncitizen, often called an alien or foreign national, meaning they don't hold U.S. citizenship or nationality, potentially holding citizenship in another country or even being stateless, though some natives of U.S. territories (like American Samoa) are non-citizen U.S. nationals with unique protections but fewer political rights. Their status determines rights like free entry, work authorization, and legal protections, with pathways to citizenship through naturalization or documentation needed for lawful presence.
Who is considered a non-U.S. citizen?
The federal definition of a “foreign person/national” is a person who is NOT: Granted permanent U.S. residence, as demonstrated by the issuance of a permanent residence card, i.e., a "Green Card" Granted U.S. citizenship. Granted status as a "protected person" under 8 U.S.C.
Who is a U.S. national but not a U.S. citizen?
Section 308 of the INA confers U.S. nationality but not U.S. citizenship, on persons born in "an outlying possession of the United States" or born of a parent or parents who are non-citizen nationals who meet certain physical presence or residence requirements.
Can you be a non-citizen and have a passport?
Eligibility to get a passport
To be eligible, you must be either: A U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization or. A qualifying U.S. non-citizen national.
What is an eligible non U.S. citizen?
Generally, you are an eligible noncitizen if you are one of the following: U.S. permanent resident, with a Permanent Resident Card (formerly known as an Alien Registration Receipt Card or "Green Card”) Conditional permanent resident (I-551C)
Man TAUNTS Border Patrol in Chicago: ‘I'm NOT a US Citizen’
Who can not become a U.S. citizen?
The 14th Amendment states that only those “subject to the jurisdiction of the United States” are entitled to citizenship. Children of diplomats have been deemed to not be subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and are therefore not U.S. citizens under the Fourteenth Amendment.
What are the four types of immigrants?
Classification of admission category
- 1 - Economic immigrant. ...
- 2 - Immigrant sponsored by family. ...
- 3 - Refugee. ...
- 4 - Other immigrant.
What is the difference between a citizen and a non-citizen?
According to Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, “a citizen is a member of a state to whom he or she owes allegiance and is entitled to its protection.” Hence, from this definition, it is implicit that a non-citizen is someone who is not a member of a state nor owes allegiance to the state he or she currently ...
Can an undocumented person get a passport?
A: Yes, you can apply for a U.S. passport if you meet citizenship-at-birth requirements. This applies even if you are currently undocumented. Your current immigration status does not affect your ability to claim U.S. citizenship if you are eligible.
Can you be a person with no citizenship?
Stateless people are not recognized as citizens by any country. Denied the right to a nationality, they are often also not allowed to go to school, see a doctor, get a job or even get married. UNHCR advocates for their rights and works to prevent and end statelessness globally.
Is a person with a green card considered a U.S. national?
Lawful permanent residents (LPRs) are foreign nationals granted the right to live in the United States permanently. LPRs are often referred to simply as "immigrants." They are also known as "permanent resident aliens" and "green card holders."
What happens if a non-citizen gives birth in the USA?
Giving birth in the U.S. as a foreigner grants the baby automatic U.S. citizenship (birthright citizenship), but requires obtaining a B-2 tourist visa, disclosing the intent to give birth (to avoid misrepresentation), paying significant medical costs upfront (often thousands to tens of thousands of dollars), and managing potential visa risks, as consular officers may deny entry if birth tourism seems the primary purpose, though complications can sometimes lead to visa leniency.
Who counts as a U.S. citizen?
You are a United States citizen is if you were born anywhere in the United States or its territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. You are also a U.S. citizen if you were born in another country and then naturalized.
What do you call a non-citizen?
An alien is any individual who is not a U.S. citizen or U.S. national. A nonresident alien is an alien who has not passed the green card test or the substantial presence test.
How do I know if I'm a U.S. citizen or not?
You can prove you are a U.S. citizen by birth in the U.S. or one of its territories with a certified copy of your birth certificate.
Does permanent residency mean you are a citizen?
No, Permanent Residency (PR) and Citizenship are not the same; PR grants the right to live and work indefinitely but is a conditional immigration status, while citizenship is full, secure membership in a country with rights like voting, holding office, and deportation protection, often achieved through naturalization after holding PR. PR can be revoked (e.g., for long absences or crimes), but citizenship is nearly absolute, making citizens the most secure.
Why do illegal immigrants not get citizenship?
Immigrants living here illegally must be held responsible for their actions by passing national security and criminal background checks, paying taxes and a penalty, going to the back of the line, and learning English before they can earn their citizenship.
Can I travel in the U.S. if I'm undocumented?
Yes, undocumented immigrants can travel domestically within the U.S., but it's risky, especially by air, as encounters with immigration authorities (like CBP or ICE) can lead to detention or deportation, despite TSA accepting foreign passports as ID; travel near borders, on buses, or trains carries higher risks, with situations varying and increased enforcement potentially causing issues even with proper documents, so legal advice is crucial.
Do undocumented immigrants have ID?
Undocumented immigrants cannot get a REAL ID. However, some states have driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants, but these driver's licenses are not REAL ID compliant and cannot be used to fly domestically or enter federal buildings.
What makes someone a non-U.S. citizen?
It is an individual who is a citizen of any country other than the US. Whether a foreign national is a nonresident or resident alien for tax purposes is determined based on the individual's visa status, purpose of the current visit, and length of stay in the US.
What are the four types of citizenship?
The four common types of citizenship, based on how they are acquired, are by birth (jus soli), by descent (jus sanguinis), naturalization, and by marriage, with some models also including registration or investment, but these four cover the fundamental ways people become citizens in most countries. These methods define whether citizenship is automatic, inherited, or earned through legal processes.
What is proof of non-citizenship?
Acceptable USCIS Noncitizen Status Verification
Acceptable documents used to verify noncitizen status for GA include, but are NOT limited to the following: “Permanent Resident Card” (I-551) "Resident Alien Card" (I-551) “Alien Registration Receipt Card” (I-151) “Arrival-Departure Record — Parole Edition" (I-94)
Is Canada accepting Americans?
Can Americans move to Canada permanently? Yes—but it's not automatic. You'll need to qualify through one of Canada's immigration programs, such as Express Entry, a Provincial Nominee Program, or family sponsorship. Permanent residency must be earned, and citizenship takes additional time and eligibility.
What is the difference between immigrants and migrants?
A migrant is a broad term for anyone moving from one place to another, potentially within their own country or across borders, often for work or better conditions, with their stay being temporary or permanent; an immigrant is a specific type of migrant who moves into a new country with the intention of permanently residing there, making all immigrants migrants, but not all migrants immigrants. The key distinction lies in the destination (immigrant = into a new country) and the intent for permanence (immigrant = permanent, migrant = can be temporary).
What is copr?
When we approve an immigrant for permanent residence in Canada, we will give them a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document. An immigration officer at the port of entry or an IRCC office signs and dates this document when permanent residence is finally granted.