1. Who are US Citizens? How does one become a citizen?

2. Early Americans
Where do archeologists (scientists who study the remains of past cultures) believe the first Americans originally came from?
Who settled and made up the original thirteen colonies?
ancestors of modern-day American Indians
Vikings came A.D. 1000, but did not establish permanent settlements
1492, Columbus, Spanish establish permanent settlements
Mostly people from the British Isles
Other colonists included
Germans in PA
Dutch along the Hudson River
Swedes along the Delaware River
French in NY, MA and SC
Africans came as slaves
America began as a land of immigrants (people from other lands) and has been settled and populated by people from all over the world.

3. U.S. Immigration Policy
Why?
Quota
Refugees
Why today?
U.S. provides economic opportunities
Agricultural workers and factory laborers needed as country grew
Few limitations on immigration during first part of 1800s
Set number of how many immigrants could come from a particular country or region ; limits began
Today immigration policy is guided by the Immigration Act of 1990
Set at 675,000 immigrants a year with preference given to spouses and children of US citizens and resident aliens (aliens-citizens of another country)
People fleeing persecution in their home country
Not part of the quota or annual limit
President and Congress work together to set a number
Recent immigrants from Asia and Latin American countries
escape war, political conflict or join family in U.S.
Policy changes as the needs of the U.S. change. Immigration patterns change over time as circumstances in other countries change.

4. Citizenship by Birth Many routes to become a citizen.
How do Americans gain citizenship?
What about children born here whose parents are not citizens?
Children born here whose parents are officials representing a foreign country?
Who decides??
Native-born (by birth or parents)
born in any U.S. state or territory or one or both parents a U.S. citizen if born abroad jus sanguine -Latin –right of blood
Naturalization (The legal process of acquiring citizenship for someone who has not acquired it by birth)
In most cases, they are citizens
jus solis- Latin- by land
Not usually as their parents are under the authority of another country
INS- Immigration and Naturalization Services, an agency of the U.S. Dept. of Justice
Many routes to become a citizen.

5. Aliens in the United States
Who are Aliens?
What rights and responsibilities do aliens have?
Citizens of a foreign country
Most here on visit
Some work and live here or attend school, but expect someday to return to their homeland
In 2000, 18.7 m, foreign-born U.S. residents who are not citizens
Must obey laws of country or can be deported (forced to leave the country)
Enjoy many benefits of U.S. citizenship but cannot vote, hold public office
State laws prohibit aliens from holding certain types of jobs, such as teaching in public schools
Aliens must register with INS and provide a current address
1 out of every 15 Americans are aliens. Many Americans have been aliens at some time in their history. INS keeps track of immigrants and requirements.

6. Illegal Immigration Who are undocumented residents?
Recent solutions to illegal immigration?
Did it work?
More recent strategies?
Aliens who live in the country illegally
No one has an accurate number, but INS estimates about 7 million
1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act passed
Meant to legalize the status of undocumented workers and reduce illegal immigration.
Illegal immigration remains high
Thought that ½ of undocumented workers come from Mexico for work and more prosperous life
Arizona legislation
Florida legislation

7. Citizenship by Naturalization?
Requirements
5 Steps in the process
At least eighteen years old
Permanent legal resident for at least five years (special circumstances apply, spouses)
Physically present for at least half the time
Are of good moral character / support themselves
Show commitment to the principles of the Constitution
Read, write and speak adequate English
Demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and government
Take oath of allegiance
Restrictions apply
Declaration of intent
Application, called petition for naturalization
Interview
Background check and approval
Oath of Allegiance, certificate of naturalization
It is not easy to become a citizen. After establishing residence, immigrants still need to have knowledge and pride in America . They must meet requirements, pass a test and swear an Oath.

8. In what ways do citizens participate in their communities?
Activism
Volunteerism
Voting
Selective Service
Jury duty
Tax paying
Why Americans need to be engaged in civic affairs

9. Summary of Citizenship
Create your own PowerPoint and upload it to the wiki. Please make sure that it includes the following:
Describe why you enjoy being an American citizen.
Provide pictures, graphics, etc. to “enliven” the presentation.
Provide scripture that supports and describes what it means for us “to be citizens of Heaven.”