Unit 1 Who are American Citizens?

I. Americans are from Everywhere a.People from ALL AROUND THE WORLD settled here in the U.S. b.They have brought different languages, customs, beliefs, etc. c.Immigrants = people who come from other countries and adopt American Customs

II. Who is here? a.Aliens = people who live in a country but are not a citizen of that country b.Immigrants = an alien who plans to become an American, considered to be residents of the U.S. because they live here permanently or on a long term basis - Most U.S. Immigrants come from Spanish-speaking countries

III. Immigration a.Congress has the power to regulate immigration b.First Immigration Law – 1880s, Chinese Exclusion Act c.Quotas – Est. in the 1920s, Laws that further limit the number of people allowed into the U.S.

III. Immigration CONTINUES d. Immigration Act of 1990 – sets a total annual quota of 65,000 immigrants permitted into the U.S. - “Those who want to work, produce and contribute…”

IV. The 14 th Amendment a.The 14 th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution defines a U.S. citizen as anyone “born or naturalized in the United States”

V. Citizenship by Birth a.Native Born: Anyone born in the U.S. or by American Parents -BOTH parents are U.S. citizens -ONE parent is a U.S. citizen who lives in the U.S. -According to the U.S. Census Bureau – 87.5% of Americans are native born

V. Citizenship by Birth CONTINUED b. Law of Soil – Born on U.S. soil, includes all 50 states, territories, and military bases

VI. Citizenship by Naturalization a.If you were NOT born in the U.S. you must go through a process called Naturalization b.Approximately 13.5% of Americans are naturalized

VII. Legal vs. Illegal a.Legal Alien – A citizen of another country who has permission to enter the U.S. b.There are 21.7 million LEGAL aliens in the U.S. c.Legal Aliens do NOT have political rights -Can’t vote -Can’t run for office -Can’t serve on juries -Can’t hold MOST gov’t jobs

VII. Legal vs. Illegal d. There are approximately 5 to 6 million “illegal immigrants” living in the U.S. e. Most enter the U.S. illegally and fail to go through naturalization f. Many enter the U.S. in search of -Jobs -Education -Healthcare -A better place to raise a family g. Illegal Aliens who are caught are often deported back to their country

VIII. Refugees a.Refugees – People who are trying to escape the dangers of their home countries due to, -Persecution -War -Other crisis situations b. 1960s-1970s: Cuban Refugees to Florida c. The President and Congress set quotas each year to allow a certain amount of refugees to enter the U.S.