--------- U.S. Nationals vs. Dual Citizens: Understanding the Key Differences in 2025

Jul 18, 2025

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Confusion between “U.S. national” and “dual citizen” is common, especially among new immigrants and those born in U.S. territories. This article breaks down the definitions, legal rights, and unique situations for each status. You’ll discover how U.S. nationals—primarily those from American Samoa and Swains Island—differ from dual citizens, who hold citizenship in the U.S. and another country. We’ll cover eligibility, documentation, and the real-world implications for travel, government services, and civic participation. Internal links to related GovAssist resources and external links to official government sources are provided for further reading and support.

What Is a U.S. National?

A U.S. national is someone who owes permanent allegiance to the United States but is not necessarily a U.S. citizen. All U.S. citizens are U.S. nationals, but not all U.S. nationals are citizens. The vast majority of non-citizen nationals are people born in American Samoa or Swains Island, two U.S. territories that confer national status without automatic citizenship. U.S. nationals can live and work anywhere in the United States, apply for a U.S. passport, and receive consular protection abroad. However, they lack certain core rights reserved for citizens, such as voting in federal elections or holding certain government jobs.

Key facts about U.S. nationals:

Eligible for a U.S. passport (annotated as “national, not citizen”)
Can live and work in the U.S. without restriction
Receive U.S. government protection abroad
Cannot vote in federal elections or run for most public offices
May naturalize to become full U.S. citizens

For a closer look at the rights and travel restrictions for U.S. nationals, see our expert guide on U.S. national passport travel.

What Is a Dual Citizen?

A dual citizen is an individual who holds citizenship in the United States and at least one other country at the same time. Dual citizenship can be acquired by birth (for example, being born in the U.S. to foreign parents, or abroad to U.S. citizen parents), through naturalization, or by operation of foreign law. Dual citizens enjoy all the rights and privileges of U.S. citizens, including voting, federal employment, and full access to government benefits. They also hold citizenship rights in their other country, which may include voting, property ownership, and consular protection abroad.

Key facts about dual citizens:

Hold two (or more) nationalities and passports
Can vote and run for office in the U.S. (with some exceptions)
Eligible for all federal and state benefits
Owe allegiance to both the U.S. and their other country(ies)
Must comply with the laws and obligations of both countries

For more on the legal and practical aspects of holding multiple citizenships, visit the U.S. Department of State’s dual nationality page.

How Each Status Is Acquired

Becoming a U.S. National

Non-citizen U.S. national status is almost exclusively granted to those born in American Samoa or Swains Island. Children born abroad to non-citizen national parents may also acquire this status in rare circumstances. Unlike citizens, non-citizen nationals do not gain status through naturalization or descent from U.S. citizen parents.

Pathways to U.S. national status:

Birth in American Samoa or Swains Island
Descent from non-citizen national parents (specific legal conditions apply)

For a full breakdown of how U.S. national status is determined, see Exploring the Unique World of U.S. Nationals.

Becoming a Dual Citizen

Dual citizenship can be acquired in several ways, including:

Birth in the U.S. to foreign parents (automatic U.S. citizenship and possible foreign citizenship by descent)
Birth abroad to U.S. citizen parents (automatic U.S. citizenship if certain conditions are met)
Naturalization as a U.S. citizen while retaining original citizenship (if permitted by the other country)
Marriage or other legal processes that grant foreign citizenship

The U.S. does not require you to renounce other citizenships when naturalizing, but some countries may have restrictions. For more information on naturalization, see our guide to becoming a naturalized citizen.

Rights and Benefits: U.S. Nationals vs. Dual Citizens

Rights of U.S. Nationals (Non-Citizen)

Live and work in the U.S. without restriction
Apply for a U.S. passport (annotated as a non-citizen national)
Receive consular protection abroad
Eligible for some federal benefits
Serve in the U.S. military (with certain limitations)

Limitations:

Cannot vote in federal or most state elections
Ineligible for many federal jobs and security clearances
Cannot sponsor relatives for immigration as citizens can
Must naturalize to gain full citizenship rights

Rights of Dual Citizens

Full U.S. citizenship rights: voting, holding office, jury duty, federal employment
Access to all federal, state, and local benefits
Sponsor family members for immigration
Hold multiple passports and enjoy consular protection from both countries
Potentially subject to obligations (e.g., taxes, military service) in both countries

For a detailed comparison of rights and travel, see U.S. Nationals vs. U.S. Citizens: Key Differences for Travelers.

U.S. Passports: What’s the Difference?

Both U.S. nationals and dual citizens can apply for a U.S. passport, but there are critical distinctions:

U.S. nationals (non-citizen): Passport is annotated with “THE BEARER IS A UNITED STATES NATIONAL AND NOT A UNITED STATES CITIZEN.” This can sometimes lead to confusion or additional scrutiny when traveling abroad. Some countries may not recognize the passport for visa-free entry.
Dual citizens: Passport is identical to any other U.S. citizen’s, with full privileges and no annotation. Dual citizens can use their other country’s passport for travel as well.

For more on passport eligibility and differences, check our U.S. Passport: Citizen vs. National Status Explained and the U.S. Department of State: Passport Information.

Voting, Civic Participation, and Government Benefits

U.S. nationals (non-citizen):

Cannot vote in federal or most state elections
Ineligible to serve on federal juries or hold most federal offices
May access some federal benefits but are excluded from others (e.g., certain public assistance programs)

Dual citizens:

Full voting rights in all U.S. elections
Eligible for federal jury duty, public office (with some exceptions)
Access to all government benefits and protections

If you’re interested in the differences between U.S. citizenship by birth and by naturalization, our guide to citizenship differences offers a helpful overview.

Travel, Residency, and Global Mobility

U.S. nationals and dual citizens both have the right to reside and work in the United States, but there are differences in international travel:

U.S. nationals: May face travel restrictions or additional visa requirements when visiting some countries, as their passport is annotated. Some foreign governments may not recognize non-citizen national status for visa-free entry.
Dual citizens: Can use a U.S. passport for visa-free travel to many countries and also use their other passport to access additional countries or benefits.

For the latest on travel restrictions and opportunities, see the 2025 U.S. national passport travel guide.

How to Become a U.S. Citizen as a U.S. National

Non-citizen nationals (primarily from American Samoa or Swains Island) can apply for naturalization to become full U.S. citizens. The process is similar to that for permanent residents but may include some streamlined requirements.

Steps include:

Filing Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization)
Meeting residency and physical presence requirements
Demonstrating good moral character and basic English/civics knowledge
Completing an interview and taking the Oath of Allegiance

For a step-by-step guide, visit Unlocking New Beginnings: Your Complete Guide to Becoming a Naturalized Citizen.

Tax Obligations, Military Service, and Legal Considerations

Dual citizens may be subject to tax and legal obligations in both the U.S. and their other country of citizenship. This can include filing taxes, reporting foreign bank accounts, or registering for military service if required by either country. U.S. nationals generally only have U.S. tax and legal obligations.

Important:
Always consult with a qualified immigration or tax attorney if you have questions about your obligations as a dual citizen or U.S. national. The Internal Revenue Service: International Taxpayers offers additional guidance.

Common Questions About U.S. Nationals vs. Dual Citizens

What is the main difference between a U.S. national and a dual citizen?

A U.S. national owes permanent allegiance to the United States but may not have full citizenship rights, such as voting. A dual citizen holds full U.S. citizenship and citizenship in at least one other country, with all associated rights.

Who is considered a U.S. national but not a citizen?

Most non-citizen nationals are people born in American Samoa or Swains Island. They can live and work in the U.S. but must naturalize to gain full citizenship rights.

Can U.S. nationals become dual citizens?

Yes, but only after naturalizing as U.S. citizens. Once naturalized, they can hold U.S. citizenship and another nationality if permitted by the other country.

Can dual citizens lose their U.S. citizenship?

U.S. citizenship can only be lost through formal renunciation or if obtained by fraud. Simply acquiring another nationality does not cause loss of U.S. citizenship.

Do U.S. nationals and dual citizens get the same passport?

No. Non-citizen nationals receive a passport annotated as such, while dual citizens receive a standard U.S. passport with full privileges.

Are U.S. nationals subject to the same government benefits as citizens?

No, some benefits and rights are restricted to citizens. Non-citizen nationals may be ineligible for certain federal programs and cannot sponsor family members for immigration.

Can both U.S. nationals and dual citizens serve in the U.S. military?

Yes, but some positions may require full citizenship or security clearance, which non-citizen nationals may not have.

Where can I find official information about my status?

See the U.S. Department of State: Nationality and Citizenship page for authoritative details.

How can GovAssist help with questions about citizenship or nationality?

GovAssist offers expert guidance on immigration, passports, naturalization, and dual citizenship. Contact GovAssist for personalized support.

Final Thoughts: Making Sense of Your Status in 2025

Understanding whether you are a U.S. national or a dual citizen is more than a legal distinction—it shapes your rights, benefits, and opportunities in the United States and abroad. U.S. nationals enjoy the right to live and work in America but must naturalize for full citizenship privileges, while dual citizens have the best of both worlds—full U.S. rights and those of another country. For clarity on your path, documentation, or next steps, GovAssist is here to help you every step of the way.