U.S. Citizen vs. U.S. National

Attribute	U.S. Citizen	U.S. National
Birthright Citizenship	Yes	No
Right to Vote	Yes	No
Passport Eligibility	Yes	Yes
Right to Work	Yes	Yes
Eligibility for Federal Jobs	Yes	Yes

Legal Status

One of the key differences between a U.S. citizen and a U.S. national is their legal status. A U.S. citizen is someone who has been granted citizenship either by birth or through the naturalization process. This means they have all the rights and privileges afforded to citizens, including the right to vote and run for public office. On the other hand, a U.S. national is someone who owes permanent allegiance to the United States but is not a citizen. This status is typically given to individuals from American Samoa or Swains Island.

Passport and Travel

When it comes to passports and travel, there are significant differences between U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals. U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for a U.S. passport, which allows them to travel freely in and out of the country. They also have the right to seek assistance from U.S. embassies and consulates while abroad. On the other hand, U.S. nationals are not eligible for a U.S. passport, but they can apply for a U.S. national passport, which allows them to travel to and from American Samoa and Swains Island.

Residency and Voting Rights

Another important distinction between U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals is their residency and voting rights. U.S. citizens have the right to live and work in the United States indefinitely, regardless of where they were born. They also have the right to vote in federal elections and run for public office. U.S. nationals, on the other hand, do not have the same residency rights as citizens and cannot vote in federal elections. However, they can vote in local elections in American Samoa and Swains Island.

Taxation and Social Security Benefits

When it comes to taxation and social security benefits, U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals are treated differently. U.S. citizens are subject to U.S. taxation on their worldwide income, regardless of where they live. They are also eligible for social security benefits if they meet the necessary requirements. U.S. nationals, on the other hand, are only subject to U.S. taxation on income earned within the United States. They may not be eligible for social security benefits unless they have worked in the U.S. for a certain period of time.

Employment Opportunities

U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals may also have different employment opportunities. U.S. citizens have the right to work in any job in the United States without any restrictions. They can also apply for federal jobs that require U.S. citizenship. U.S. nationals, on the other hand, may face limitations when it comes to certain federal jobs that require U.S. citizenship. However, they are generally allowed to work in the United States without any restrictions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals have ties to the United States, there are significant differences in their legal status, rights, and privileges. U.S. citizens have the full rights and responsibilities of citizenship, including the right to vote, work, and live in the United States. U.S. nationals, on the other hand, have a more limited status and may not have the same rights as citizens. Understanding these differences is important for individuals who fall into either category.