1.2 The Path to Citizenship

1. Citizenship – by birth - by naturalization process

2. Birth – born in U.S.A, territory, or military base - parents are both citizens - one parent is a citizen and has lived in the US - dual citizenship - exception - children born to parent who are foreign diplomats, children keep parents citizenship

3. Alien – two types (both have same rights) - legal - can own property - pay taxes - hold a job - go to school - protection of the laws - can not - vote - run for public office - hold most government jobs - serve on a jury - illegal - if found they may face deportation

4. Immigrants – move here permanently - want to become citizens - number is restricted to 675,000/year - relatives - job skills - must follow naturalization process

5. Naturalization Process – sign statement or Declaration of Intention with USCIS (INS) - live in US for at least 5 years -3 if married to a US citizen -take classes to prepare for citizenship -reading - English - Government - file an application for citizenship - interview with USCIS official - take citizenship test - if application is accepted, take loyalty oath - children under the age of 18 become citizens

6. Privilege – only government can take away citizenship - naturalized citizen - most common way is to give it up voluntarily - can deny privileges - convicted criminals right to vote