Becoming an American and citizenship Integrated Social Studies

Immigrants People who permanently move to another country. 13 percent of all Americans today were born in another country. 98 percent of people now living in U.S. are descendants from families that once lived in another country.

History of Immigration The first people came from Asia across through Alaska and created distinct groups – Native Americans. 1500s – Spanish settled in Florida and later did in Texas and California 1600s – French settled in Canada, Dutch settled in present day New York, English settled along east coast 1700s – People from Germany, Sweden, Ireland, Scotland, etc. began coming which created the 13 colonies. People from Africa were forced to immigrate into slavery.

Reasons for Immigrating Slavery Poverty Disease Gold Rush Work

Cultural Changes Element of Culture Examples

Ongoing Transformation Between 1830-1930 the nation grew from 12 million people to 120 million people. In 1800s, people migrated from rural areas to cities. After Civil War, African Americans moved from South to North into cities. Shift from factories to service jobs.

Diversity How is the American population diverse?

Are they values that MOST Americans share as a society? What are your values? Are they values that MOST Americans share as a society? Do all Americans share the same values or think of the values that we share in the same way? What happens, for example, when one person’s idea of liberty conflicts with another person’s idea of equality?

Institutions The key practices, relationships, and organizations in a society. There are social and government institutions Family Religion Schools Clubs and groups

Government Institutions Reflect how strongly Americans value freedom. Freedom is the right to make one’s own choices in life without arbitrary interference from the government. Popular sovereignty is the idea that government receives its power from the people.

What is Civics? What is a citizen? Members of a community who owe loyalty to a government and, in turn, are entitled to the protection of that government. Civics – the study of the duties and rights of citizens Citizenship – rights and duties of citizens

Roots of Citizenship Citizens belong to a nation The power of government comes from the people governed. Today, citizenship is not based on wealth, gender, race, or religion. One can become a citizen by either being born in America or by going through a particular process.

Natural Born Citizens Where can one be born and be a natural born citizen of the U.S? Born in the 50 states Born in an American territory such as Puerto Rico Born on a military base Children born on U.S soil to people who are not citizens. If both parents are born citizens, but born on foreign soil. If one parent is a citizen who has lived in the U.S. Someone born in another country may choose to hold dual citizenship.

Naturalized Citizens Naturalization – the legal process to obtain citizenship. Requirements – 18 or older, lawful permanent resident for 5 years, be able to read, write, and speak English, good moral character, and show an understanding of U.S civics. Steps - complete an application, USCIS official talks to applicant and must meet all 5 requirements, take an exam, special ceremony.

Losing Citizenship Can lose citizenship 3 ways. Expatriation – Someone who gives his or her allegiance to a foreign country. Denaturalization – naturalized citizens who are found to have lied on their citizenship application. Convicted on certain crimes – Guilty of very serious crimes. Only federal government can grant or take away. States can deny, or take away certain privileges.

Foreign Born Residents Aliens – foreign born residents who have not been naturalized Legal aliens can be either resident aliens or nonresidents. Resident – live here permanently Nonresident – expects to stay a short period of time

Foreign Born Residents Refugees – fleeing their country to escape danger Illegal Aliens 1 million people are allowed in a year 1 million come in illegally a year 12 million living here illegally today