Immigration and Citizenship

Immigrant vs. Alien Alien- a person who lives in a country where they are not a citizen. Immigrant- intending to stay permanently and gain citizenship. An immigrant may stay in the US as long as they wish w/o becoming a US Citizen. Becoming a citizen allows for you to vote (have representation).

Types of aliens Resident alien (immigrant): has established permanent residence in the US. Nonresident alien: wants to stay for a specified period of time. Enemy alien: from a country the US is at war with. Refugee: escaping danger in their country. Illegal alien: living in US w/o legal documents (passport, visa).

Rights are guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. Rights of Aliens Rights are guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. Same rights as citizens, which include: - own homes - attend school - use public facilities Aliens are required to share in the responsibilities of American life, such as: - pay taxes - obey the law - be loyal to gov’t

Serve in military or on jury Travel freely in and out of US. Rights Aliens receive once they become citizens. Vote Serve in military or on jury Travel freely in and out of US. Easier to bring family to US Collect benefits like Social Security, welfare Become a Federal employee Become an elected official (except President)

Ways of Obtaining Citizenship Citizenship by Birth “jus soli”- Law of the soil. Citizenship granted to those born on American soil. “jus sanguinis”- Law of Blood. Citizenship granted by being born to parents who are American citizens. * Collective Naturalization- where a group of people become citizens through an act of Congress (creating a new state, ex. PR). They do not have to go through the naturalization process.

Qualifications Naturalization- process for an immigrant to become a citizen, has several qualifications. 1. entered US legally. 2. good moral character. 3. declare support for American principles. 4. read, write and speak English. 5. show basic knowledge of American Government.

Qualifications & Steps to gaining citizenship 18 years old Lived in US legally for 30 months out of last 5 years. After investigations and hearings, the judge reads you the oath of citizenship. The oath asks you to renounce loyalty to former government and to obey and defend the Constitution.

Losing Citizenship 3 ways to lose it: 1. Expatriation (ex-patriot)- give up citizenship to live in another country. 2. Convicted of disloyal crimes against the US. 3. Denaturalization- loss of citizenship due to fraud during naturalization process.