Final answer:
U.S. citizens have full legal rights, including voting; lawful permanent residents have certain rights but cannot vote; undocumented immigrants lack legal status and face the risk of deportation, but paths to citizenship are advocated.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the United States, there are distinct statuses for individuals residing within its borders: U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (LPRs), and undocumented immigrants. U.S. citizens are individuals who have citizenship either by birth or naturalization, giving them the full spectrum of rights, including voting and holding public office. Lawful permanent residents, commonly referred to as green card holders, are non-citizens who are lawfully authorized to live permanently within the U.S., and they can work, join the armed forces, receive some Social Security benefits, and attend public schools. However, LPRs cannot vote or hold public office. To become a U.S. citizen, LPRs must meet certain criteria, such as residing in the U.S. for at least five years, being physically present for at least 30 months, and demonstrating good moral character. On the other hand, undocumented immigrants are people living in the U.S. without legal permission from the government. This can be due to entering the country without authorization or overstaying a visa. They do not have the same rights and protections as citizens or LPRs, and they face the risk of deportation. Nevertheless, there is a significant portion of the population advocating for an immigration reform that provides undocumented immigrants with a pathway to citizenship or legal residence, provided that certain requirements such as language proficiency and paying restitution are met.