What is the Difference between a Foreigner and a Citizen?
Understanding the distinction between a 'foreigner' and a 'citizen' is crucial for anyone navigating the complex landscape of national identity and legal status. While these terms might seem interchangeable, they carry significant legal and social implications. This article will delve into the nuances of these terms and clarify the differences between them.
Citizen
A citizen is a member of the state who is loyal to that state and has the right to participate in its governance and society. Being a citizen comes with several responsibilities and privileges:
A citizen is loyal to his state and is expected to uphold its values and laws.A citizen is willing to make any kind of sacrifice for the betterment of the country.A citizen has all the political and social rights that are enshrined in the constitution of the country.A citizen may be required to join military service as part of their civic duty.A citizen can face legal consequences, such as house arrest, for activities that are deemed anti-national.Foreigner
A foreigner, on the other hand, is a member of another state who has different rights and responsibilities:
A foreigner is loyal to his state, maintaining allegiance to the country of his origin.A foreigner is willing to make sacrifices for the betterment of his home country.A foreigner typically only has social rights in the country of residence and is restricted from having political rights.A foreigner is not compelled to join military service unless it is mandatory in the host country.A foreigner may face legal consequences, such as detention or deportation, for activities that are considered anti-national.Aliens and Foreigners in Law and Practice
In many legal contexts, an alien or foreigner is defined as someone who lives in one's country but is not a citizen. Therefore, their legal status can vary significantly based on their intention to live there permanently and their adherence to local laws. Here are a few key points to consider:
Someone who holds citizenship documents from another country is not considered an alien but may be considered a newcomer if they have recently moved to the country or have never is often acquired through birth, parentage, or naturalization processes. In most countries, birthright citizenship is not automatically granted if born outside the country's of a country who were born outside of it are entitled to the same rights and privileges as domestic citizens, as long as they comply with the legal requirements for residence or citizenship.Example: The Indian Context
In the Indian Constitution, there are specific provisions that define citizenship and the rights associated with it:
Article 5: Defines the criteria for citizenship at the constitutional level. A person is a citizen of India if they are domiciled in the territory, were born in the territory, or either of their parents were born in the territory, or if they have been ordinarily resident in the territory for five years before the commencement of the Constitution.Article 9: States that no person shall be a citizen of India by virtue of Article 5 unless they have not voluntarily acquired the citizenship of any foreign state.Article 6: Deals with the rights of citizens who have migrated from India to Pakistan, provided they had some Indian heredity registered in the Government of India Act 1935 or if the migration dates back to 19 July 1948.Article 8: Outlines the rights of Indians residing outside India, provided they have some Indian heredity registered in the Government of India Act 1935 or are registered as a citizen of India by diplomatic or consular representatives of India.In summary, citizens enjoy the full spectrum of rights and duties under the constitution and law, while foreigners are limited in their rights and are subject to different legal frameworks. The specific rights and obligations vary based on the national laws and regulations of each country.