Bell Ringer Key Vocabulary to define: Naturalization Alien Immigrant Deport

CHAPTER1, SECTION 2 The Path to Citizenship

Did You Know? The Statue of Liberty’s official title is “Liberty Enlightening the World.” The people of France gave it to the United States as a gesture of friendship. The burning torch in the statue’s right hand stands for liberty. It shines down on the seven spikes in her crown, representing the light of liberty shining over all seven seas and seven continents of the world. The tablet in her left arm bears the date July 4, 1776, the date of the Declaration of Independence, when the United States declared itself free of British rule. A broken chain, representing tyranny, lies at her feet, symbolizing escape from the bonds of unjust rule.

Who are America’s Citizens? The U.S. Constitution establishes two ways to become a citizen:  By birth  Naturalization-legal process to become a citizen You would automatically be an American citizen if you were born in a state or the District of Columbia, in an American territory, or on a U.S. military base overseas.

Who are America’s Citizens? You can also claim citizenship if your parents are both citizens or one parent is a citizen who has lived in the United States. Children born on American soil to non-U.S. citizens also acquire U.S. citizenship, except for children of foreign diplomats. A child born abroad to American parents may hold dual citizenship. Americans keep their citizenship for life, unless they choose to give it up.

Who are America’s Citizens? Non citizens, or aliens, may become naturalized citizens. More than half a million immigrants-people who move permanently to a new country- gain American citizenship each year. Aliens must file a Declaration of Intention with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). They may apply for citizenship after living in the United States for 5 years (3 years for aliens married to citizens). Then, after an interview with an INS agent, the applicant must take a citizenship exam. If the INS decides to grant citizenship, the new citizen pledges allegiance to this country in a ceremony.

Naturalization Process Step 1 Aliens must file a Declaration of Intention with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Step 2 They may apply for citizenship after living in the United States for 5 years (3 years for aliens married to citizens). Step 3 File an application Step 4 Interview with the INS Step 5 Then, after an interview with an INS agent, the applicant must take a citizenship exam. Step 6 If the INS decides to grant citizenship, the new citizen pledges allegiance to this country in a ceremony.

U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services citizenship-exam-guide-audio-cd- english.html?gclid=Cj0KEQjw06GfBRCR9tDI4t6n5 _MBEiQAFo6kuIJwDwyNIkPOf3gw6xrno5nZvI9N QNU6685pjjUXijUaAjPq8P8HAQ citizenship-exam-guide-audio-cd- english.html?gclid=Cj0KEQjw06GfBRCR9tDI4t6n5 _MBEiQAFo6kuIJwDwyNIkPOf3gw6xrno5nZvI9N QNU6685pjjUXijUaAjPq8P8HAQ

Aliens in America The United States restricts the number of immigrants who can enter the country. Highest priority goes to relatives of U.S. citizens and people with needed skills. Many aliens live in the United States illegally. Most come looking for a better life. Without friends and family here, life is hard. Laws forbid hiring illegal aliens, so work is hard to find. They live in fear that the government will discover and deport them-send them back to their own country.

Synthesizing If you were a government official, how would you prevent illegal aliens from entering the United States? HOT Question

If you were a government official, how would you solve problem of illegal aliens entering the United States?