Final answer:
A legally recognized inhabitant of an area is called a citizen. Citizens possess certain legal rights and duties defined by the state in which they reside. Permanent residents also have legal rights but may lack certain privileges of citizens such as voting.
Step-by-step explanation:
A legally recognized inhabitant of an area is called a citizen. This term refers to someone who is entitled to the legal rights granted by a state and is obligated to obey its laws and to fulfill certain duties. While permanent residents are also granted certain legal rights and protections, they may not have some of the privileges that come with citizenship, such as voting in elections or holding public office. The process of becoming a citizen, for those who are not born as such, typically involves permanent resident status and may include a naturalization process.
Understanding the difference between a citizen and other forms of legal residency is essential for those living in or moving to the United States. For instance, the Constitution of the United States guarantees certain privileges or immunities to citizens. Furthermore, the national debate on immigration policies and the rights of foreign-born individuals living in the U.S. stresses the importance of addressing how people can legally reside and possibly obtain citizenship in the U.S.
Immigration describes the movement into an area to take up permanent residence, and those who immigrate can apply for permanent resident status which may eventually lead to citizenship. The various aspects of citizenship and residency status contribute to understanding national identity and social policies concerning population movement.