1. Citizenship-background information
Unit 1-Lesson 2
Citizenship-background information

2. A citizen is someone with specific rights and obligations within a country or state.
All countries have their own definitions and expectations of citizens
Similarity between governments: grant citizenship to all persons born within that country
Difference between governments: do not have the same procedures to grant naturalization, nor do they grant the same rights
What is a Citizen?

3. Citizenship in the U.S may be achieved in 2 ways-
Citizenship by birth
“jus sanguine” (law of blood)- biological mother is a U.S citizen
“jus solis” (law of soil)- person born in U.S or on U.S. territories
Both are mentioned in the 14th Amendment
The U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1788, and it mentions citizenship 13 times, but does not define it.
‘Aliens’ are persons living in the U.S. who are not citizens.
Includes resident aliens and illegal immigrants
Citizenship in the U.S.

4. Becoming a Naturalized U.S Citizen
A person who was not born a U.S citizen may become one through the naturalization process.
Must meet the following conditions:
Over 18 years old
Must have lived in U.S for 5 years, without leaving for more than 30 months combined and for no more than 12 consecutive months throughout the 5 year period
Must file a petition for naturalization
Must take an examination that shows they can read, speak and write English, and demonstrate knowledge of American history and the U.S Constitution
Must be able to prove that they are of good moral character
Two U.S. citizens must confirm that the applicant will be a good citizen and will be loyal to the U.S
Once a-f has been completed, the applicant must take the Oath of Allegiance
Becoming a Naturalized U.S Citizen

5. Exception to the Naturalization Process
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000
Took effect on February 27, 2001
Allows non-U.S. citizen children under 18 who have at least 1 U.S. citizen parent, and who lives in the legal and physical custody of that parent, to be granted automatic naturalization citizenship.
The child must live in the U.S., and be a lawful permanent resident, at the time that citizenship is granted
Exception to the Naturalization Process

6. Impact of Naturalization
The immigration debate has long been central to American politics.
Concerns are few but strong
Who should be allowed to legally live in the U.S. without naturalizing
Who is eligible to pursue naturalization
Who is at risk for deportation
This debate has impacted campaigns
The immigration debate focuses, in part on the DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors)
Introduced to Congress in 2001, but did not pass
This Act targets non-citizen youth on a path to citizenship.
Impact of Naturalization

7. Citizenship and Florida Residency
The 14th Amendment defines citizenship:
National citizenship comes before state citizenship
Citizens are entitled to rights granted by the national government
Citizens are entitled to rights granted by their own state’s government
Citizenship does not exist at the state level
There are no Florida citizens
There are rights reserved for Florida residents
Residency is established once a person has lived here for 6 months
Right to receive homestead exemption (tax)
Receive college scholarships
Florida may not grant citizenship to aliens.
Citizenship and Florida Residency