Naturalization is the process by which a non-citizen voluntarily applies for and obtains U.S. citizenship after meeting eligibility requirements, whereas derivative citizenship is automatically granted to certain children who acquire citizenship through their U.S. citizen parent(s) without having to apply for naturalization.

While naturalization is an active, individualized process involving USCIS review and approval, derivative citizenship occurs passively under certain legal conditions and typically applies to minors who gain citizenship through their parents.

The key difference is that naturalization involves a formal application process for adults or eligible immigrants, whereas derivative citizenship is granted by law to children who meet specific criteria based on their parent’s citizenship status.