Naturalized Citizen: An immigrant who has applied for and received
citizenship status from the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Requirements
include basic English language and writing skills, as well as some knowledge of
American history and civics. Immigrants cannot apply until they have lived in this
country for five years. However, immigrants who marry a U.S. citizen may go through
the naturalization process after three years.
Legal Immigrant: Otherwise known as lawful permanent residents
(LPR), legal immigrants have been issued a visa from the State Department to live and/or
work in the U.S. LPRs have to be sponsored by family members already living in the
U.S., or they must secure employment-based sponsorship. Requirements include
medical and criminal background checks.
Illegal Immigrant: Immigrants who either entered the country
illegally or who have overstayed their visas. INS estimates that five million
immigrants are living in the U.S. illegally.
This article appears in June 27 • 1997 and June 27 • 1997 (Cover).