What does naturalized citizen mean Meaning and Definition
What does naturalized citizen mean
Pronunciation
/ˈnætʊrɪzɪld ˌsɪˈtɪzən/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A person who has acquired citizenship of a country through a legal process, such as the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), after being born outside of that country.
Etymology
The term “naturalized” comes from the Latin “naturalis,” meaning “of nature” or ” spontaneous,” and the suffix “-ize,” indicating a process of transformation or conversion. The term “citizen” originates from the Latin “civis,” meaning “civilian” or “member of the community.”
Usage Notes
The term “naturalized citizen” is typically used to describe an individual who has obtained citizenship through the naturalization process, whereas “native-born citizen” refers to someone who was born within the country.
Cultural References
The concept of naturalization is explored in various literary works, such as James Baldwin’s “American Civil Liberties Union: A Study of its Rise and Growth” (1950), which discusses the experiences of African American immigrants in the United States.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- To take an oath of allegiance
- To renounce one’s former allegiance
Related Words or Phrases
- Citizen
- Immigrant
- Alien
- Native-born
Collocations
- Naturalized citizen with full rights
- New citizen takes oath of allegiance
Frequency of Use
The term “naturalized citizen” is commonly used in political and legal contexts, particularly in discussions surrounding immigration and citizenship rights.
Common Misspellings
- Naturized citizen
- Natural citizen