What does the term "legal permanent residents" refer to?

The term "legal permanent residents" refers specifically to individuals who possess Green Cards. These residents have been granted authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. This status allows them to enjoy many rights similar to those of U.S. citizens, with certain exceptions, such as voting in federal elections. Legal permanent residents typically have made a significant commitment to the country, often through processes like sponsorship by a family member or employment.

Other options describe different immigration statuses that do not equate to legal permanent residency. Temporary visa holders (the first choice) are in the U.S. for a limited time and do not have permanent resident status. Individuals who have entered the U.S. without documentation (the second choice) are undocumented immigrants and also do not hold legal permanent residency. Lastly, individuals awaiting citizenship (the fourth choice) may be in the process of applying for citizenship but may or may not have legal permanent resident status at the time, often depending on their circumstances. Therefore, possessing a Green Card is the defining characteristic of legal permanent residents.