Naturalization
U.S. Naturalization Test (2025 Standard) glossary · English
Definition
The legal process by which a person becomes a U.S. citizen.
Naturalization in plain English
Naturalization is the official legal process by which someone who wasn't born a U.S. citizen becomes one — usually a green-card holder who meets the requirements, files the paperwork, passes the interview and tests, and takes the Oath of Allegiance. "Natural" born citizens get citizenship automatically at birth; naturalized citizens earn it through these steps, and once done they have almost all the same rights, including voting. Think of it like joining a team you weren't born onto: you complete the tryouts and sign-up, and afterward you're a full member. This whole prep is aimed at getting you smoothly through that process.
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