naturalization
/ˌnætʃərələˈzeɪʃən/
noun
- The process by which a foreigner becomes a citizen of a country.
- The naturalization ceremony included an oath of allegiance to the new country.
- After living in the United States for five years, she applied for naturalization.
- Immigrants must pass a test on history and government as part of the naturalization process.
- The process of introducing a plant or animal to a new area where it begins to grow or live wild.
- The naturalization of non-native species can threaten local biodiversity.
- The naturalization of rabbits in Australia caused major ecological changes.
- Gardeners sometimes encourage the naturalization of wildflowers in their lawns.