Which type of immigrant is characterized by the requirement of sponsorship by a U.S. citizen or resident?

The answer is correct because family-sponsored immigrants are specifically required to have a sponsor who is a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. This sponsorship is crucial as it serves as a formal agreement where the sponsor commits to support the immigrant financially and guide them through the immigration process. The process typically involves the sponsor filing a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of the immigrant, demonstrating the familial relationship and the ability to provide support.

Permanent residents, while they may have come to the country through a family sponsor initially, do not require sponsorship themselves once they achieve that status. Asylees are individuals who seek refuge from persecution and do not need a sponsor to enter the United States. DV-1 Visa Applicants, or Diversity Visa applicants, do not require sponsorship by a U.S. citizen or resident either; rather, they are selected through a lottery system designed to promote diversity among immigrants. Therefore, family-sponsored immigrants distinctly stand out due to the necessity of having a U.S. citizen or resident present to facilitate their immigration process.