The words do seem to change with the times. I had not realized, probably never really thought about it, but I have a letter to my GGrandmother from LaGuardia. It seems when my GGrandfather obtained citizenship in 1889, the spouse of the new citizen wasn't required to do so. After my GGrandfather died, she became upset thinking she could be deported. In 1936, being deported to Germany wasn't all that pretty a picture. There were still some relatives there so she was aware of the political climate. She and my GGrandfather owned a Funeral Home in Manhatten, she was the licensed embalmer.
Anyhow, she got my GUncle to write to LaGuardia,who was Gov. then to ask about her status. In his letter to her he assured her she was not an illegal alien. I'm kind of wondering if he really may have signed it and I have a document with his signature or if a secretary did it for him.
Anyway, is it still the same now, the spouse is considered a citizen and doesn't have to go through the process or do they have to obtain citizenship on their own merit?

Pam