United States citizen
United States citizen: A person who holds citizenship of the United States. Under the Fourteenth Amendment and 8 U.S.C. § 1401, a person born in the United States and subject to its jurisdiction is a citizen at birth; others become citizens by naturalization or through a citizen parent. Every U.S. citizen is also a "national of the United States" (8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(22)). Some legal theories say "U.S. citizen" means an employee or member of a federal corporation, pointing to 28 U.S.C. § 3002(15), which defines "United States" as "a Federal corporation" and federal agencies, and to the tax code's withholding definition of "employee," which includes federal officers and employees (26 U.S.C. § 3401(c)). Section 3002(15) applies only "as used in this chapter," the federal debt-collection chapter, and no statute defines a citizen as a government employee. Courts read "includes" in § 3401(c) as adding to the term, not limiting it (United States v. Latham, 754 F.2d 747 (7th Cir. 1985)). A few program statutes call qualifying companies a "citizen of the United States" for that program, such as aviation (49 U.S.C. § 40102(a)(15)).
What united states citizen means
In practice, you will see united states citizen in pleadings, motions, orders and court rules. The definition above explains the general meaning. Even so, the meaning can shift with context. Therefore, always read it alongside the rule or document where it appears.
Where united states citizen comes up
The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.
Read the source: Citizen, National, "The United States is a corporation".
How to research the term
First, read the term where it actually appears. A rule, statute or court decision may define it for its own purposes. Next, check whether your court has a local rule that uses united states citizen in a special way. Then look at recent decisions from courts in your jurisdiction. They show how judges apply the term today. Also, remember that state law can differ from federal law. For that reason, use our state procedures guide to find your state’s rules. Finally, confirm every source is current before you rely on it.
You can read the current federal court rules online for free.
Related legal terms
- Unauthorized practice of law: practicing law without a license, such as representing another person or entity in court. A non-lawyer trustee who represents a trust with other beneficiaries in court may be practicing law without a license. Each state defines and regulates the practice of law.
- Uniform Commercial Code: a model law covering commercial transactions such as sales and secured transactions. It has force only as each state enacts it.
- Unincorporated trust: a trust that is not set up as a corporation.
- United States: the name has several legal meanings, and each statute may define it for its own purposes.
Why precise terms matter
Legal words often look like everyday words, but they can carry a precise meaning. Because of that, a small misreading can change how you understand a deadline, a duty or a right. Our glossary keeps each definition short and links it to the procedures where it matters.
Sources
Sources last reviewed: 2026-10-24
Lawtopolis provides legal information and education, not legal advice. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and court rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time; verify every authority against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your situation.