Organizing Principle (OP) 1 Citizens of the United States have certain rights, duties and responsibilities Benchmark SS.7.C.2.1

What is Civics? The study of the rights and duties of citizens

How does the 14th amendment define citizenship?

The 14th Amendment was added to the Constitution in 1868. It gave the now freed slaves the right of citizenship. 14th Amendment “All persons born or naturalized in the United States… are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside.” A right which had been denied to them since the first Africans were brought to the America’s in the 1600’s.

How can a person become a citizen of the United States? TWO WAYS!

Natural-Born Citizens Path #1 Natural-Born Citizens Law of Soil Born on American soil Law of Blood - At least one parent is a U.S. citizen

Concept Check Maria was born in Italy to an American father and an Italian mother – is she a U.S. citizen? Why? Alejándro was born to Cuban parents in Miami, Florida – his parents are legal permanent residents. Is Alejándro a U.S. Citizen? Why? (LPR) – A person who is not a citizen of the United States, but is legally residing in the U.S. as an immigrant. Also known as a "Green Card Holder."

Naturalized Citizen Path #2 A person who was not born a citizen who later goes through a process to become a citizen.

Naturalization Requirements (1) Be at least 18 years old (2) Be a permanent resident for five years (3) Have good character (4) Speak English (5) Pass a civics test and interview Take an Oath of Allegiance Permanent resident for five years (special circumstances apply, spouses)

Do you agree with all of the citizenship requirements?

Foreign-Born Residents Alien – a foreign-born resident of the US who has not been naturalized. Resident alien (AKA Legal Permanent Resident) Nonresident alien (Ex. foreign newspaper reporter) Legal aliens have the same rights as citizens (owning property, working, attending school, paying taxes, etc.)– except they cannot vote or run for public office. The U.S. limits the number of immigrants to about 1 million people per year – today, close to 12 million people are living in the U.S. illegally.

(Keep your notes on your desk) Please go to page 58 in your textbook, and answer the Critical Thinking question on naturalization. (Keep your notes on your desk)