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.

Take Five Assignment The Chinese Exclusion Act Have your table choose one of the following topics and research it for the next 5 minutes. Once you are finished, you will share your findings with the class. The Chinese Exclusion Act The Immigration Act of 1990 H1B Visas The Naturalization Act of 1906 The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 Korean Immigration to the U.S. from 1910 - 1945

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 native 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. Approximately 12.5% of Americans are naturalized.

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

“Naturalization Process” Step #2: Aliens 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: Aliens must get fingerprinted. Why do we think that this is an important step in obtaining citizenship?

“Naturalization Process” Step #4: “Aliens” 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” "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."

Continue studying for your Key Terms Test on Wednesday!