Every year, hundreds of thousands of persons become legal permanent residents (LPRs) or “green card” recipients of the United States (see Figure 1). LPRs, as defined by immigration law, are persons who have been granted lawful permanent residence. Permanent resident status confers certain rights and responsibilities. For example, LPRs may live and work permanently anywhere in the United States. They may own property in the United States. They may attend public schools, colleges, and universities. They may join certain branches of the Armed Forces. They may also apply to become U.S. citizens if they meet certain eligibility requirements. This Office of Immigration Statistics Annual Flow Report presents information on the number and characteristics of persons who became LPRs in the United States during 2005.1

more