Naturalization Definition

The process by which a foreign person becomes a U.S. citizen, including filing a Form N-400 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Eligibility is, in almost all cases, dependent first and foremost on having held a green card for several years. Applicants must also meet other testing and residence requirements. A naturalized U.S. citizen has virtually the same rights as a native-born U.S. citizen.