An immigrant must meet the requirements of obtaining a visa, having a sponsor, and having a clear background check to receive existing government benefits.
             Immigrants are people coming from a foreign country to settle in a new one. Right now 6.2 million immigrants have applied for naturalization, less than half of these have been reviewed. 1.1 million applications are backlogged because the U.S. feels that just by their name, they will not be considered. The United States want to reduce the backlog by 2006.1 There are still many immigrants that do enter the country legally or illegally. Immigrants are using up much of the government benefits, or aid. Some of these benefits could include welfare and public housing.2 Immigrants have also contributed to our economy. Some immigrants do some of the worst forms of work for the least amount of pay.3
             One requirement that a citizen must meet is obtaining a VISA. A VISA is an endorsement made on a passport, verifying that an immigrant is in the country legally. After September 11, 2001, requirements for entry into the United States have been stricter. If an immigrant does obtain a VISA one must decide if one wants to be a resident or a citizen. A resident is one who stays in a particular place. A citizen is one who is native or naturalized, who owes allegiance to a government, and is entitled to protection from it. If an immigrant is granted citizenship, which is the status of a citizen with its duties, rights, and privileges, an immigrant will receive more benefits.4
             An immigrant must meet the requirement of having a sponsor. Sponsors are legally responsible for the immigrant. Sponsors are legally binded if they do commit, so they can not disclaim the immigrant. Tougher requirements are being put on people who want to sponsor immigrants. The sponsor has to have an annual income of 125 percent above the federal poverty income level. 25 percent of American families born in the U...