Final answer:
The length of stay for sojourners in the U.S. varies greatly and depends on various factors such as immigration policies. Recent statistics show about 10.5 million live without legal status as of 2017, while surveys indicate public support for legalization pathways. The residency requirement for naturalization has decreased from 14 to 5 years, with exceptions for military service.
Step-by-step explanation:
The duration of a sojourner's stay in the U.S. can vary widely, as immigration patterns and policies are complex and have evolved over time. Immigration patterns show that from 1990 to 2013, the United States saw an increase in the number of migrants, rising from one in six to one in five of the worldwide immigrant population. In terms of those who remain in the country without legal status, as of 2017, there were about 10.5 million individuals. Legal permanent residents, on the other hand, have residency requirements to abide by; for instance, they originally required a 14-year residency but now must reside in the United States for at least five years to qualify for naturalization, except for members of the military, who have an expedited process.
Many sojourners, especially in the 19th century, remained in the U.S. to form strong rural communities, reflecting the immigration from Northern Europe and Canada. More recent surveys indicate that nearly three-quarters of the public support providing illegal immigrants with a path to citizenship, conditional upon requirements such as English proficiency or restitution payments. Among the Hispanic community, 55% prioritize the ability to live in the U.S. legally without the threat of deportation over citizenship.