A U.S. citizen is a person who is seen as a full member of the United States of America with all of the rights and responsibilities that entails. U.S. citizenship can be acquired or it can be granted. Most U.S. citizens are granted their status by birthright. Any person born in the U.S. or whose parent is a U.S. citizen is also granted citizenship.
Citizenship can also be acquired through the processes of immigration and naturalization. Citizenship acquired in this way is granted after a series of examinations, checks, and interviews determine that someone is eligible to become a U.S. citizen.