Definition

Adjective: - Born in a country other than the one in which one currently lives: Describes a person whose place of birth is a foreign country relative to their country of residence. This term emphasizes the origin of birth, not necessarily current citizenship status.

Usage

The adjective "foreign-born" is used attributively, typically placed before a noun to describe a person or group. It is a neutral, factual descriptor often used in demographic, sociological, or official contexts.

Examples

• The study focused on the economic contributions of the foreign-born population.
• She is a foreign-born citizen who has lived here for twenty years.
• Foreign-born workers are essential to many sectors of the economy.

Advanced Usage

• "Foreign-born" vs. "Immigrant": While often overlapping, "foreign-born" is a strictly demographic fact (place of birth), whereas "immigrant" implies a legal or intentional process of relocation. A "foreign-born" person may have become a citizen, while an "immigrant" may or may not be naturalized.
• Statistical Category: In census data and research, "foreign-born" is a standard category to analyze trends among people born outside the country of enumeration.

Variants and Related Words

• Nonnative (adjective): Sometimes used similarly, but can have a broader meaning including things (e.g., plants, languages) and can carry a less neutral connotation when applied to people.
• Immigrant (noun): A person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country.

Synonyms

• Born abroad
• Non-native (in specific demographic contexts)

Antonyms

• Native-born
• Domestic-born

Adjective

1. of persons born in another area or country than that lived in
   • our large nonnative population