naturalization
NAH-chruh-lih-ZAY-shun
/ˌnætʃrəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/
The legal process by which a non-citizen of a country may acquire citizenship or nationality of that country.
Implies a formal legal transition involving applications, exams, oaths, and official state approval, distinct from citizenship by birth.
The story behind the word. The term comes from the Middle English naturalen, meaning 'to admit to the status of a natural-born subject.' It is based on the idea of legally treating a foreign-born person as if they were a natural child of the country.
Word relationships
- citizenship acquisition: Citizenship acquisition is a broad category that includes birthright, while naturalization is specifically the process for foreign nationals.
- assimilation: Assimilation refers to cultural integration, whereas naturalization is strictly a legal status change.
- expatriation: Expatriation is the loss or renunciation of citizenship, the exact opposite of naturalization.
Commonly confused with
- immigration: Immigration is the act of moving to a new country to live, while naturalization is the final legal step of becoming a citizen.
Word family
- naturalize (verb): To grant full citizenship to a foreign national.
- naturalized (adjective): Having acquired citizenship through naturalization.
Collocations
- naturalization ceremony
- naturalization process
- certificate of naturalization
- apply for naturalization
Example sentences
- "After living in the country for a decade, he finally celebrated his naturalization at a ceremony in city hall." Immigration ceremony
- "The naturalization process requires applicants to pass a civics test and demonstrate English proficiency." Legal requirements
Memory hook
Naturalization makes you a natural citizen of your new nation. Naturalization = legally natural-born.
When not to use
Do not use to describe simple immigration or residency; it must refer to the actual acquisition of citizenship.
Fun facts
- In the United States, the Oath of Allegiance taken during naturalization requires applicants to formally renounce allegiance to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty.
Explore more words
stateless, repatriation, immigrant, asylum, enfranchise, repatriate
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