BECOMING A U.S. CITIZEN Wed., Oct. 2, 2013 Ms. Kirk

Name Period Civics: 6 th Grade S.S. BECOMING A U.S. CITIZEN

WHO IS A U.S. CITIZENSHIP? 1.Someone born in the U.S. or to American parents living abroad. 1.Someone who goes through naturalization process 2.Naturalization is the official act by people from foreign countries become U.S. citizens. There are 3 parts: A) Application Form B) Citizenship Test C) Going to Court

RESIDENTS OF THE U.S. CAN BE ALIENS, NATIONALS, OR CITIZENS ALIENS: Aliens are people who have emigrated from a foreign country. They have some of the same freedoms and legal rights as U.S. citizens, but they can’t vote. NATIONALS: American nationals are natives of American territorial possessions. They have all the legal protections which citizens have, but they do not have the full political rights of U.S. citizen. CITIZENS: Persons born in the U.S. or born to U.S. citizens abroad are U.S. citizens, and can enjoy the freedoms, protections, and legal rights in the U.S. Constitution.

Requirements of becomING a naturalized U.S. Citizen. You must… Be at least 18 years old. Have lived in the U.S. as a legal resident for at least 5 years. Be of good moral character and loyal to the U.S. Be able to read, write, speak and understand basic English. Have basic knowledge and understanding of the history, government structure and the Constitution of the U.S. Be willing to take an oath of allegiance and renounce your loyalty to your native country.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF U.S. CITIZENSHIP  Voting  Serving on a jury  Paying taxes  Obeying laws  Doing military service

RIGHTS OF U.S. CITIZENSHIP From the Bill of Rights  Freedom of Religion  Freedom of Assembly  To Keep and Bear Arms  Freedom of Speech  Freedom of the Press  Protection of those Accused of Crimes

BENEFITS OF U.S. CITIZENSHIP  Run for public office  Apply for federal government jobs  File to legally bring family members to live in the U.S.  Social Security benefits  Voting  Traveling to foreign countries may be easier