Final answer:
An immigrant does not always need a sponsor to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, as they can also be sponsored by employers or obtain residency through other means. The process includes meeting criteria like holding permanent resident status and understanding the U.S. Government and history, followed by applying with the N-400 form.
Step-by-step explanation:
To become a naturalized citizen in the United States, an immigrant does not always need a sponsor. While it's true that family-based immigration is common, with U.S. citizens often petitioning to bring family members to the country, this is not the only pathway to naturalization. Many immigrants also obtain residency through employment-based visas where they are sponsored by their employers due to their skills, education, and training that are valuable to the U.S. economy. Becoming a naturalized citizen includes meeting certain criteria before applying, which include holding permanent resident status, having lived in the U.S. for a specific period, understanding English, and having knowledge of the U.S. government and history.
Once eligible, a person can then apply for naturalization using the N-400 form provided by the USCIS, which requires information on their background, residence, and character, among other things. Therefore, the answer to the question is false; an immigrant does not always need a sponsor to become a naturalized U.S. citizen.