More than 87,000 Chinese-born people became legal permanent residents (LPR) of the United States in 2011, the second largest number among countries gaining green cards in the US.

Chinese-born people make up 8.2 percent of the total 1.06 million people gaining green cards in 2011, according to a report on new LPRs issued by the US Department of Homeland Security last week.

Mexico became the leading country in obtaining US green cards, with 14 percent of the new LPRs given to Mexicans, the report said.

The green card serves as proof that its holder, a LPR, has been officially granted immigration benefits, which include permission to reside and seek employment in the US.