The Application Process
- The applicant(s) contact the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS
- Show all forms of identification, and records
- Apply for a visa, depending on the country they're from
- Will then receive permanent resident status; green card
Statistics
- 1.1 million immigrants were let into the US in 2015
- About 41 million immigrants live in the US today
- 40% of applicants are individuals and 60% are families
- This costs $465 per individual
- The average waiting time is a few years
Citizenship
- About 6.6 million immigrants have been naturalized over the last decade
- The applicant must be 18 years old and has lived in the US for 5 years
- Must know English and be of "good moral character"
- Need to apply, then wait
- Costs $680 per person
- Take a test, then Oath of Allegiance
- 47% of the immigrant population is naturalized
From The Advocates for Human Rights, Immigration Policy, American Progress, Colorlines, Migration Policy, The Guardian, and USCIS