Legal Definitions - naturalized citizen

A naturalized citizen is an individual who was not born as a citizen of a particular country but has legally acquired citizenship in that country through a formal process called naturalization. This process typically involves meeting specific requirements, such as residing in the country for a certain period, demonstrating knowledge of its language and civics, and taking an oath of allegiance. Once naturalized, these individuals generally enjoy the same rights and responsibilities as those born within the country, with very few exceptions.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of a naturalized citizen:

• Example 1: The Long-Term Resident

  Maria immigrated to Canada from the Philippines when she was 25 years old. She lived and worked in Toronto for ten years as a software engineer, paid taxes, learned English and French, and actively participated in her community. After meeting all the residency, language, and civics knowledge requirements, she applied for Canadian citizenship and successfully took the Oath of Citizenship. She is now a naturalized citizen of Canada.

  Explanation: Maria was not born in Canada but followed the legal pathway to become a citizen, fulfilling the criteria set by Canadian law for naturalization.

• Example 2: The Spouse of a Citizen

  David, a citizen of the United States, married Elena, a citizen of Spain. Elena moved to the United States to live with David. After three years of marriage and continuous residency in the U.S., Elena applied for U.S. citizenship, which is a common path for spouses of U.S. citizens. She passed her civics and English tests and took the Oath of Allegiance. Elena is now a naturalized citizen of the United States.

  Explanation: Elena acquired U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process, specifically benefiting from a potentially expedited path available to spouses of existing citizens, rather than being born with that citizenship.

• Example 3: The Professional Immigrant

  Dr. Anya Sharma, a renowned medical researcher from India, accepted a position at a prestigious university in Germany. After living and working in Germany for eight years, becoming fluent in German, and integrating into German society, she decided to make Germany her permanent home. She applied for German citizenship, met all the legal requirements, and was granted citizenship. Dr. Sharma is now a naturalized citizen of Germany.

  Explanation: Dr. Sharma, originally a citizen of India, chose to undergo the formal legal process to become a citizen of Germany, demonstrating that citizenship can be acquired later in life through naturalization rather than solely by birth.