Naturalized citizens refer to individuals who have been granted citizenship of a country they were not born in. The phrase is phonetically spelled as /ˈnætʃ(ə)rəlaɪzd ˈsɪtəz(ə)nz/, with the stress on the second syllable of naturalized and the first syllable of citizens. The "a" in "naturalized" is pronounced like the "a" in "cat", while the "i" in "citizens" is pronounced like the "i" in "sit". Being naturalized allows one to enjoy the same rights and privileges as a native-born citizen of a country.
Naturalized citizens refer to individuals who were not born in a particular country but have obtained citizenship through the legal process of naturalization. Typically, this process involves immigrants or foreign nationals who have permanently migrated to a country and have fulfilled the specific requirements set forth by that country's laws and regulations to acquire citizenship.
To become a naturalized citizen, individuals usually need to meet various conditions, which can include a minimum period of residency, language proficiency, passing a citizenship examination, along with a thorough background check. Overall, the specific requirements for naturalization vary from country to country.
Naturalized citizens enjoy most, if not all, rights and responsibilities that are accorded to those who are citizens by birth. They have the right to vote, participate in their country's political processes, and have access to government services and benefits. Additionally, they are obligated to abide by the laws in their adopted country and fulfill their civic duties, such as paying taxes and serving on juries if required.
Naturalization is seen as a significant step towards integration within the society of the adopted country, as it grants immigrants the opportunity to fully participate and contribute to their new community, while enjoying the legal protections and privileges that come with citizenship.
The word "naturalized" is derived from the term "naturalize", which originated from the Latin word "naturalis" meaning "of nature" or "pertaining to birth". In the context of citizenship, "naturalize" refers to the legal process through which a foreign-born individual acquires the citizenship of a different country. The term "naturalized citizens" thus refers to individuals who have undergone this process and have been granted the rights and privileges of a citizen in the country where they were not born.