Chapter Three (Section Two) “Becoming a Citizen”

Americans Are From Everywhere Our country has changed throughout the years as various groups have settled here from other countries around the world. People bring with them different languages, customs, beliefs, etc. Members of different ethnic groups share common national, cultural, or racial backgrounds. Is America a “melting pot” or “tossed salad”?

So Who Comes to America? Aliens are foreign-born residents of the US who has not been naturalized. An immigrant is an individual who moves permanently to a new country. Immigrants (like citizens) are considered to be residents of the US – because they live here permanently or on a long-term basis. Today, most US immigrants come from Spanish-speaking countries.

Immigration Congress has the power to regulate immigration (according to the US Constitution). Beginning in the 1880s, the government passed laws about immigration. An example of this Chinese Exclusion Act. In the 1920s, laws established quotas to further limit the number of people admitted into the US.

Immigration Policy Today the Immigration Act of 1990 sets a total annual quota of 675,000 immigrants permitted. Shift from mostly just “family ties” towards also “those who want to work and produce and contribute…” --- people with special skills, talents and money- have priority.

Who is a Citizen? The 14th Amendment (1868) The “14th Amendment” to the US Constitution defines a U.S. citizen as anyone “born or naturalized in the United States”

“Citizenship by Birth”

“Citizenship by Birth” Law of Blood – Jus Sanguinis The term natural born is given to anyone who is born in the US or to American parents. By Blood or Soil Both parents are U.S. citizens. One parent is a U.S. citizen who lives in the U.S….

“Citizenship by Birth” Law of Soil – Jus Soil Born on U.S. soil, including, territories or military bases… Sometimes people can be “dual citizens” According to the US Census Bureau – 87.5% of Americans are native born.                                                                           

“Citizenship by Naturalization” If you are not born an American citizen, you can go through the process of naturalization. More than 40% of foreign-born people living in the US are naturalized citizens.

FIVE STEP “Naturalization Process” Step #1: Must apply for a permanent residency visa (“green card”) and wait five years.

“Naturalization Process” Step #2: Must apply for citizenship and file their “declaration of intention” with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)… To apply for naturalization, you must be at least 18 years of age Albert Einstein’s Application

“Naturalization Process” Step #3: Must get fingerprinted. Why do we think that this is an important step in obtaining citizenship?

“Naturalization Process” Step #4: Must be interviewed and pass a citizenship test with the USCIS… All applicants must take the Citizenship Exam in ENGLISH… Basic knowledge of reading, writing, U.S. history, etc…

“Naturalization Process” Step #5: Once the applicants pass the “citizenship” exam, they attend a ceremony… Here, the new citizens pledge their loyalty to the U.S. and to obey the laws – Take “Oath of Allegiance”                                                

“Oath of Allegiance” (think/pair/share interpretation activity) "I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."

Rights of Naturalized Citizens A naturalized citizen has all the same rights and duties as a natural-born citizen. Examples of Rights Hold jobs Run for election Serve on juries Vote Only exception – naturalized citizens cannot become the President!

Can you LOSE your citizenship?

Can you LOSE your citizenship? YES, but it is very rare. The U.S. Government has the power to grant citizenship AND take it away… Most Americans who give up their citizenship do it voluntarily… CAREFUL: Once you renounce your citizenship to the U.S., there is NO going back or changing your mind…

“Legal Aliens” in America There are 21.7 million legal aliens living in the US. A legal alien is a citizen of another country who has received permission to enter the US. “Legal Aliens” do NOT have full political rights… They can NOT vote, run for office, serve on juries, or hold most government jobs…

Undocumented Residents Approximately 12 million “undocumented residents” live in the United States… (Dept. of Homeland Security) Most enter the U.S. illegally, and fail to have proper immigration documentation… Many enter the US in search of jobs, education, healthcare or a better place to raise their family.

Undocumented Residents Undocumented residents who are caught can be deported back to their country The U.S. “Border Patrol” is given the task of preventing illegal immigration.

Refugees Our immigration quota does not include refugees. Refugees are people who are trying to escape the dangers of their home countries – fleeing due to persecution, war, or other crisis situations. 1960-1970s – Cuban Refugees to Florida The President and Congress set quotas each year to allow a certain number of refugees into the US.