Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who is not a citizen of a particular country or state: A "noncitizen" is an individual who lacks the legal status of citizenship in the country where they are present. This status is defined by law and does not imply allegiance to that country.

Usage

• The term "noncitizen" is a formal, legal, and administrative classification. It is used in official contexts such as immigration law, government policy, and census data to describe individuals who are foreign-born or who do not possess citizenship through birth or naturalization.
• It is a neutral term describing legal status, not necessarily the individual's origin, intentions, or length of stay.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The new policy affects the rights of noncitizens residing in the country.
  • Certain government benefits are available only to citizens and not to noncitizens.
  • The law requires noncitizens to carry their registration documents at all times.

Advanced Usage

• "Lawful permanent resident noncitizen": A specific category for individuals who are authorized to live permanently in a country but have not naturalized as citizens.
  • She is a lawful permanent resident noncitizen, holding a green card.
• "Undocumented noncitizen": A term sometimes used in legal and policy discussions to refer to individuals residing in a country without official authorization.
  • The debate focused on the status of undocumented noncitizens.

Variants and Related Words

• Alien (noun, legal): A formal, often legal, synonym for a noncitizen. (e.g., ).
• Foreign national (noun): A common synonym emphasizing the person's country of citizenship.
• Immigrant (noun): A person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country. (Note: Not all noncitizens are immigrants, and not all immigrants are noncitizens permanently).
• Nonresident alien (noun, legal): A noncitizen who does not meet the criteria for tax residency.

Synonyms

• Foreigner: A more general term for a person from a foreign country.
• Alien (in legal contexts).
• Foreign national.

Antonyms

• Citizen: A legally recognized subject or national of a state or commonwealth.
• National: A person who owes allegiance to and is entitled to the protection of a state.
• Native: A person born in a specified place or associated with a place by birth.

Noun

1. a person who comes from a foreign country; someone who does not owe allegiance to your country