Final answer:
Living in the United States for at least five years as a lawful permanent resident is a legal requirement for becoming a citizen. Paying income taxes and having relatives in the United States are not legal requirements for citizenship, and registering to vote is a right that follows citizenship.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the legal requirements for becoming a citizen is living in the United States at least five years as a lawful permanent resident. This residency requirement has been part of the naturalization process since the time when the original 14-year requirement established by the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 was reduced. To apply for naturalization, an applicant must meet several criteria, including being a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least five years, having been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months, and being able to speak, read, write, and understand the English language.It's important to note that while all residents are expected to pay income taxes and permanent residents might have relatives in the United States, these factors are not legal requirements for becoming a citizen. Moreover, registering to vote is a right that comes after achieving citizenship, not a requirement for obtaining it.