Legal Immigration to the United States, 1820-Present
Legal Immigration to the United States, 1820-Present
The United States attracts the largest number of immigrants in the world, who join the fabric of U.S. society through avenues such as citizenship, becoming legal permanent residents (LPRs), or by seeking humanitarian protection. This chart tracks the number of people who annually are granted legal permanent residence (also known as getting a green card). Green-card holders are permitted to live and work in the country indefinitely, to join the armed forces, and to apply for U.S. citizenship after five years (three if married to a U.S. citizen).
These data represent persons admitted for lawful permanent residence during the 12-month fiscal year ending September 30 of the year designated.
Migration Policy Institute tabulations of U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Immigration Statistics, Yearbook of Immigration Statistics (various years). Available at www.dhs.gov/files/statistics/publications/yearbook.shtm.