Immigration

Definitions Migration – process of moving from one place to another to live Immigrant – someone who comes to a new place to live Emigrant – someone who leaves a place to live somewhere else Example: Pedro emigrated from Spain. Pedro immigrated to France.

Types Long-term – at least 12 months (usually for permanent residence) Short-term – at least 3 months (usually for seasonal work) Migration does not include: Vacations – Business trips Visiting friends/relatives – Medical trips Student visas/exchange – Religious pilgrimages

Reasons Push & Pull factors Usually travel short distances Economic Jobs, pay, quality of life, poverty, population growth/decline, available land Cultural Family, marriage, crime, education Forced – slavery, war, persecution, dictatorships, genocide Refugees – forced out & cannot return; must be admitted to another country Environmental Climate, water, natural disasters, disease Usually travel short distances

Typical Migrant Male Young Travel without kids Family will join later Increase in number of women and children migrating from Mexico to U.S.

Where do they go? Most immigrants to U.S. come from Latin America (Mexico, Central America, Caribbean) or Asia (China, India, Vietnam) From Mexico – to border states (TX, CA, AZ) From Cuba – to FL From Puerto Rico – to NY From Asia – to CA or NY Chain migration – typically settle near others in family or from same country

U.S. Immigration History 1600-1840 2 million Europeans (mostly Great Britain) 650,000 Africans (slavery) 1840-1870 (N & W Europe) Up to 250,000 per year Mostly from Ireland & Germany 1870-1900 (N & W Europe) Up to 500,000 per year Mostly from Ireland, Germany, Norway, Sweden

U.S. Immigration History 1900-1930 (S & E Europe) Up to 1 million per year Mostly from Italy, Russia, Austria-Hungary 1950-2000 7 million total from Asia 13 million total from Latin America U.S. has changed – no longer booming economically or filled with lots of cheap farmland

Undocumented Immigrants Desire for immigration > amount allowed Estimated 11.7 million illegal immigrants (2013) – 6 million from Mexico 400,000 deportations per year since 2009 About 8 million are employed Farming, cleaning, construction, food service Methods Enter legally as worker, student, tourist & don’t leave Slip across border U.S.-Mexico border is 2,000 miles long Often purchase forged documents

Current Quotas Quota (maximum limit) of 675,000 immigrants per year, excluding refugees 480,000 limit for family reunification 140,000 limit for permanent employment Priority given to talented, educated, skilled, or wealthy Temporary/seasonal workers are not included but may have a separate quota Refugee quota at 70,000

http://www. immigrationpolicy http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/just-facts/how-united-states-immigration-system-works-fact-sheet

Definitions Citizen – a person owing loyalty to and entitled by birth or naturalization the protection and rights of a state or nation Legal Permanent Resident – a person with documented permission to live in a state or country Naturalization – the process of becoming a citizen

How do you become a citizen? Birthright Born in the U.S., its territories, or on a U.S. public vessel (such as a ship) Born to a U.S. citizen in another country Both parents are citizens and 1 has lived in U.S. before 1 parent is a citizen and lived in U.S. for at least 10 years, with 5 continuous years between age 14-28

How do you become a citizen? Naturalization At least 18 years old Legal Permanent Resident for at least 5 years (4 if refugee, 3 if married to citizen) Good moral character Demonstrate ideals of Constitution Able to read, write, speak, understand English Basic knowledge of U.S. history, government, principles Swear oath of allegiance Pass a citizenship test Granted by act of Congress (new territory) Children under 16 automatic if both parents are naturalized

2008 Redesigned Citizenship Test Civics Test Asked 10 questions (out of 100 possible) 60% correct or better American Government Integrated Civics American History English Test Oral (speaking) Reading Writing