naturalization

Cultural  

1. The process by which a foreign citizen becomes a citizen of a new country. Millions of immigrants to the United States have become American citizens. Requirements for naturalization in the United States include residency for several years, ability to communicate in English, demonstrated knowledge of American history and government, and a dedication to American values that includes no membership in subversive organizations, such as the Communist party.

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Explanation

Use the noun naturalization to describe what happens when someone becomes a brand new citizen of a country. If you're born in one country but want to become a citizen of another, you'll have to go through the process of naturalization. There are certain rules and processes involved in naturalization, depending on the country, but you usually have to live there for a certain number of years and swear an oath of loyalty. When biologists use the word naturalization, they're talking about moving plants or animals to a new place where they can thrive.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

naturalization

Quiñones’ unit led a separate effort to find additional cases by reviewing whether people who’d recently become citizens had voted before they were naturalized, then lied about it in naturalization interviews.

From Salon ● Aug. 15, 2026

Without that naturalization, Christian Pulisic might not be playing for the U.S.; in fact, he might not even be in the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 4, 2026

Alexander Hamilton noted in Federalist No. 32 that the constitutional requirement of a “uniform” naturalization law conferred exclusive jurisdiction on the federal government, to the exclusion of the states.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 1, 2026

Because even though their parents cannot gain citizenship because there are laws banning them from naturalization, we do mean the children.

From Slate ● Mar. 16, 2026

He answers that the INS has no records of birth or entry or naturalization for nearly three dozen of them and their families.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee