What is defined as a legally recognized member of a country?

A legally recognized member of a country is defined as a citizen. Citizenship confers a specific legal status that comes with rights and responsibilities, including the right to vote, work, and reside in the country, as well as the obligation to adhere to its laws. Citizens often have access to government services and legal protections that non-citizens may not enjoy.

In contrast, a resident simply indicates someone who lives in a specific place but does not necessarily have citizenship status. A national typically refers to a person who is affiliated with or recognized by a sovereign state, often implying citizenship but can sometimes extend to individuals in territories with specific legal definitions. An immigrant refers to a person who moves to a different country, typically to live there permanently or for an extended period, but may not have acquired citizenship status immediately.

Therefore, the term that explicitly denotes legal membership in a country with all associated rights and duties is citizen.