As the name suggests, immigrants are foreign-born people who leave their country of origin and settle in a new country. Some immigrants are lawful permanent residents and eventually become citizens of the country in which they arrived. They research the country they plan to live in and explore employment opportunities. Others simply come for a short time, such as on a business trip, a seasonal job, or as a student. All immigrants have different legal statuses, which may vary from one country to the next.
Post-World War II immigration is another example of how immigrants are able to make their new country their home. After the war, the country was left with a significant refugee population and increased immigration from countries that were once colonized by the British. The end of colonization in Asia and Africa in 1945 brought with it an increased number of immigrants. The 1948 British Nationality Act allowed people born in the former colonies to acquire British nationality, allowing them to join the nation’s workforce as adults.
The term “immigrant” has a negative connotation. This is why many immigrants’ advocates in Europe have shied away from the term “immigrant”. The word ‘immigrant’ implies migration into ‘our place’. In contrast, the word “immigrant” is a neutral term that is used to describe a person coming to a new country to seek employment. In the United States, immigrants are typically classified in one of three categories: family-sponsored immigration, employment-based immigration, and diversity-immigration.
The United States has the highest proportion of immigrants among countries in the world. As of 2017, almost 50 million people were born outside the U.S. Their numbers have risen by 400 percent since 1965. The number of immigrants comes from almost every country in the world. The largest number of immigrants came from Mexico, accounting for 11 million people, or nearly 25% of the total number of immigrants in the country. Nevertheless, immigration continues to be a major source of economic growth.
A majority of immigrants live in the three states of California, Texas, and Florida. Over four million people of foreign descent reside in New York City. About two-thirds of immigrants live in the West, while only one-fifth live in the Midwest or Northeast. This distribution is indicative of the size of the immigrant population in California. However, it does not mean that immigrants are underrepresented in California. As an immigrant, you should take your position with dignity.
An immigrant may qualify for citizenship through naturalization if they meet the qualifications. If they are a member of the armed forces or a civilian employed by the armed forces, they can apply for permanent residency. Children who are unmarried and whose parents are citizens can apply through naturalization. Immigrants who qualify as NATO Officials are generally not eligible for citizenship, but spouses and unmarried minors can apply for it as well.