Becoming a Citizen

BELLRINGER Number 1 through 25 on your bellringer sheet. Using the paper you received when you walked in, answer the 25 question on your bellringer sheet. DO NOT WRITE ON THE QUESTION SHEET. This is not a grade, so answer the questions to the best of your knowledge. It will not go in the grade book.

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. People who come from other countries and intend to remain are called immigrants. Is America a “melting pot” or “tossed salad”? – Take two minutes to answer in your packet.

So Who Comes to America? Aliens are people who live in a country but are not a citizen of that country. An immigrant is an person that moves from another country who plans to stay permanently. Immigrants (like citizens) are considered to be residents of the US – because they live here for good or on a long-term basis.

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 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) According the 14TH AMENDMENT to the U.S. Constitution: “A U.S. citizen is anyone who is BORN or NATURALIZED in the U.S.”

“Citizenship by Birth”

“Citizenship by Birth” Law of Blood 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”                                                                           

“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” (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!

Videos President Obama Video (1:30) President Obama Speech (11:00)

Aliens in America An ALIEN (or resident) is a citizen of another country who has received permission to enter the US. Aliens do NOT have full political rights… They can NOT vote, run for office, serve on juries, or hold most government jobs…

“Illegal Aliens” in America ILLEGAL ALIENS enter the U.S. illegally (lacking proper documentation) in search of jobs, education, healthcare, and/or a better place to raise their family.

“Illegal Aliens” in America “Illegal Aliens” who are caught can be deported back to their country… The U.S. “Border Patrol” is given the task of preventing illegal immigration… There is much debate about this issue with the current presidential candidates……

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.