Illegal Immigration

Becoming Legal O Eligibility O If you are at least 18 years old and have been a Permanent Resident for the past 5 years without leaving the United States for trips of 6 months or longer. O If you are at least 18 years old and are currently married to and living with a U.S. citizen; and have been married to and living with that same U.S. citizen for the past 3 years without leaving the United States for trips of 6 months or longer, and your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for the past 3 years.

O Able to read, write, and speak English and have good knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government. O Good moral character O Attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution and favorable disposition toward the United States. O All applicants for naturalization must be willing to support and defend the United States and our Constitution.

Citizenship O Have a green card for at least 3 months O Cost up to $800 plus lawyer fees $2000-$5000 O Complete an application and collect the necessary documents O Send your application, documents, and fees to the Service Center O Filing fee is $ O Get Fingerprinted O is$80.00 O : Interviewed O Take the oath and become a citizen

Human Rights O Pro – O U.S. is viewed as a safe haven for people coming from countries where they are persecuted. O Religious persecution O Sexual orientation O Basic rights O Con – O U.S. is not responsible for saving the world. We need to protect our own rights; every man for himself. O Revolt against the government like we did if you don’t like it!

Labor O Pro – O Most people in the U.S. are taught that they are “too good” to do manual labor and low paying jobs. O Immigrants are willing to work for cheaper and do whatever needs to be done. O Con – O Taking away jobs that Americans could do even if they don’t like it, especially during a recession. O Companies that pay illegally or under the table are evading government taxes.

Taxes O Pro – O If we help immigrants become legal they will pay taxes and promote our economy. Even if they are illegal, they are paying taxes every time they buy something at the store. O Con – O As long as people are illegally they can avoid paying taxes but still benefit from public services that are paid for with tax dollars.

Education O Pro – O Providing free education to illegal immigrants will help them become productive members of our society. O We shouldn’t make the kids suffer for the parents’ mistakes/ illegal actions O Con – O If kids are getting free public schooling and accepted into college there is no incentive to stop Illegal immigration O Most immigrate to create better life for kids!

Important Questions O Should illegal aliens be allowed to buy or rent homes in the US? O Should illegal aliens be allowed to obtain a driver's license? O Should illegal aliens have constitutional rights and protections when on American soil? O Should illegal aliens have access to social services such as health care and public education?

3 Theorists O Structural Functional: O Conflict Theory: O Symbolic Interaction:

3 Theorists O Structural Functional: Government piece of the puzzle is not working. Need to change/adjust policies one way or the other. O Conflict Theory: Someone has to be a “have not”. O Symbolic Interaction: Kids see parents doing illegal things, they will think it is ok too.