However, living in the United States doesn't automatically make one an American citizen. Residents of the United States can be aliens , nationals , or citizens . They have some of the same freedoms and legal rights as U.S. citizens, but they cannot vote in elections. American nationals are natives of American territorial possessions. They have all the legal protections which citizens have, but they do not have the full political rights of US citizens.
Persons born in the U.S. or to U.S. citizens in foreign countries are citizens of the United States.
Persons born in other countries who want to become citizens must apply for and pass a citizenship test. Those who become citizens in this manner are naturalized citizens. Citizens of the U.S. enjoy all of the freedoms, protections, and legal rights which the Constitution promises. The Bill of Rights Responsibilities of Citizens A service of the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office .