Naturalization Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Naturalization.

Naturalization (noun): The official and legal procedure by which a foreign citizen becomes a citizen of another country. In U.S. context, it is the process that allows a person, who is not born in the U.S. or does not have U.S. citizenship through parents, to become a U.S. citizen after meeting certain legal requirements. This process generally includes having a permanent resident status (also known as having a green card) for a specific period, displaying good moral behavior, passing English and government tests, and taking an oath of allegiance to the U.S.