Naturalization  The conferring, by any means, of Citizenship upon a person after birth.

Jus soli, or right of birthplace  Any child born in the U.S. automatically acquires U.S. Citizenship, even if the child’s mother was in the U.S. illegally. This provision does not apply to a child whose parent was a foreign diplomat at the time of birth.

Jus sanguinis, or right of blood Even though a child is born outside the U.S., the child automatically acquires U.S. Citizenship if at least one parent a U.S. citizen at the time of the child’s birth.

If an immigrant five requirements must be met to become a citizen.  1. Applicant must have entered states legally.  2. Good moral character.  3. Declare their support of the American Government.  4. Must prove they can read, write, and speak English.  5. Show basic knowledge of American Government and History.

Applicant requesting citizenship must…  Be 18  Lived in the U.S. as a lawfully admitted resident alien for 30 months out of the previous five years  Have lived in the state where the petition was filed for 3 years

If they pass this step they have a final hearing, where they have to take an oath of loyalty. The oath requires that the witness will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by law.

A key step to naturalization process is an investigation and preliminary hearing in which the individual has questions about their moral character. Two witnesses are also asked about the citizens integrity.

If they are accepted, new citizens receive a letter from the president, a short history of the Pledge of Allegiance, and a booklet containing important documents in American history.

Exceptions  Collective naturalization is a process by which members of a whole group of people, living in the same geographic area, become American citizens through an act of congress.

Losing Citizenship  Expatriation, or giving up ones citizenship by leaving ones country, for a foreign country.  Punishment for crime  Denaturalization, could occur if an individual joins a Communist or totalitarian organization fewer than five years after becoming a citizen.

El fin (That means ‘The End’ for you non Spanish speaking folks)