American Citizenry

 US citizenship is defined in the _?_ Amendment. “All persons born or naturalized in the US are citizens of the US.” 1. Law of the Soil (citizenship by birth) Anyone born on American soil or in US territories becomes an American citizen -Even if the child’s parents are not American citizens -Includes areas under US jurisdiction like military posts in other countries Exceptions: children of foreign diplomats under jurisdiction of a foreign country (no US citizenship) 2. Law of Blood (birth) Any person born outside the US with American parents become US citizens Note: At least 1 parent must have lived in the US

 Naturalization: an immigrant becoming an American citizen  Immigrant: those who come to the US from foreign nations  Common countries where immigrants come from: Past Present GermanyMexico Great BritianSE Asia: Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia IrelandCuba France China

 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act: 10 year ban  1921 Quota System: limited the number of immigrants each country could send to the US each year (150,000 per year) *Preference system: favored immigrants with needed skills. Northern/Western European nations favored  Today: 270,000 immigrants can enter the US each year *Refugees (Special Immigrants) flee their country for protection and safety *A certain number that is determined by Congress is allowed to enter each year.

 18 years old, entered the US legally, lived here for 5 years, can read, write, speak simple English, good moral character  Fill out a Petition (an official request to become a US citizen), INS will usually investigate, citizenship test  Oath of Allegiance- new citizen is given a Naturalization Certificate

 Expatriation- choosing to give up citizenship by become a citizen of another country Why? Move away and won’t return, serve in a foreign army Exception: Dual Citizenship  Punishment for Crimes- treason, rebellion, attempt to overthrow the national government. States cannot take away citizenship  Denaturalization- naturalized citizens losing citizenship Why? Subversive, lied on a petition

 American Nationals: non-citizens living in American Possessions (example: Samoa, Guam, etc.) -Can’t vote or hold public office. -They are protected by the National government of the US.  Aliens: non-citizens living in the US -Come to the US for various reasons: to study, work, vacation, obtain US citizenship -Restrictions: a. Must have a Visa: a government permit to be in the country b. Can’t vote or hold public office c. Deportation: removal from country if they do not obey the law

 Illegal Aliens: immigrants entering the country without permission (Visa) -Causes: political upheaval (Vietnam and Haiti), poverty (Haiti, Cuba, Mexico) -Sources if illegal immigrants are ?

 Public Opinion: total of all the different views of the people on certain people and issues  Opinion Leaders: those who shape current public opinion -Examples: pro athletes, governors, actors, politicians, congressman  Propaganda: techniques used to shape and persuade people’s opinions 1. Important tool in totalitarian countries (govt has total control). Why? These governments use it to control people because freedoms are limited 2. Democratic countries: propaganda is vital for open debate on various topics. *Helps to make the best decisions (ex: before elections/wartime)

 Bandwagon: everyone else is doing it. Why don’t you? (ex. I’m voting for Obama, why don’t you?)  Name Calling: (mudslinging) attaching a label to an opponent or issue (ex. Radical, unAmerican)  Card Stacking: giving only one side of an issue (ex. Health care reform- talk about how great it will be but ignore the costs

 Plain Folks: pretend to be just like everyone else (ex. Common man *Jackson)  Glittering Generalities: using vague statesments everyone agrees with (ex. “Keep America Free”, symbolism vs. substance)  Testimonial: having well known people support the issues even if they know little about them (ex. Hollywood actors, pro athletes)