Citizenship

Essential Questions What does “citizen” mean? Who is a U.S. citizen? What is the citizenship process called in the U.S? What are the obligations of citizenship?

Who? A person who by birth or by choice owes allegiance to the United States

How? You were born in the U.S. A Parent(s) was a citizen of U.S. when you were born Naturalized You were under 18 when Parent was naturalized – called ‘derived’.

Aliens? People who live in one country but are citizens of another one

USCIS The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services… is the government agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States. strengthen the security and integrity of the immigration system. support immigrants’ integration and participation in American civic culture.

Aliens in America The US limits the number of aliens that can enter the country, about 1,000,000 admitted yearly There are more than 12 million aliens living in the US today Two types of aliens Legal Illegal

Illegal Aliens Come to our country in many ways Temporary visitors who never leave Illegally cross borders Foreigners who have stayed in US after legal permit have expired If they are caught they can be deported to their home country US Border Patrol is the law enforcement unit of the USCIS

Legal Aliens Resident alien – person from a foreign country who has established a permanent address Nonresident alien – expects to stay in the US for a short, specified period of time Aliens lead lives much like those of American citizens Aliens do not have full political rights Cannot vote, serve on juries, or work in government jobs Must carry identification at all times

Naturalization Must Learn English Must Study history of the U.S. Must Learn values, laws, rights, & duties of a citizen

The Naturalization Process Aliens must first declare their intent to become US citizens Declaration of Intent filed with USCIS Must live in US for 5 yrs (3 if married to US citizen) Interview with USCIS official Must have all requirements and be in good moral standing Must take a citizenship test After all steps are completed the USCIS makes its decision

Losing Citizenship You can give up your citizenship Taken away for trying to overthrow the government

Citizenship Only the government can both grant citizenship and take it away Can strip naturalized citizens of citizenship if improperly obtained Citizens can lose citizenship in three ways: Denaturalization – loss of citizenship due to fraud during the naturalization process Expatriatation- giving up citizenship to live in a foreign country Punishment for a crime- may lose citizenship if convicted of certain crimes (treason, rebellion, or try to overthrow the government)

Job of the Citizen

Office of Citizen The most important office in a Democracy!! Rights (guaranteed by the Constitution but optional) Duties (must follow, back by law and penalties if you do not) Responsibilities (filled by choice, a voluntary decision)

Rights Vote & hold elected office Say what you think in speech or writing Practice your own religion Fair Trial To be protected by your government when travelling in other countries

Duties Obey the laws Defend the nation Serving on a jury or as a witness Pay taxes Attend School

Responsibilities of a Citizen Contribute to the Common Good by acting in ways that protect the rights and freedoms of other Americans. Hold Public Office Help a political ‘candidate’ run for public office Influence Government (attend school board and local government meetings or write letters to public officials, etc Serve the Community