Who are our citizens?

The Path to Citizenship

Who are America’s Citizens? The U.S. Constitution establishes two ways to become a citizen: 1.by birth 2.by naturalization

1. born in a state or the District of Columbia, in an American territory, or on a U.S. military base overseas 2. both parents are citizens 3. one parent is a citizen who has lived in the US. Exception: children of foreign diplomats born in the U.S. are NOT citizens A child born abroad to American parents may hold dual citizenship. By Birth

Non-citizens, or aliens, may become naturalized citizens. Aliens must file with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Requirements: 1.live in the US for 5 years (or 3 yrs if married to a citizen) 2. interview with an INS agent 3. take a citizenship exam By Naturalization

Time to Think- Are these people citizens or not? Read about your person with your partner. Decide whether or not they are a citizen and why or why not.

Aliens in America The US restricts the number of immigrants who can enter the country. Many aliens live in the U.S. illegally. Most come looking for a better life. They live in fear that the government will discover and deport them. Legal aliens live like most Americans. They may not vote, run for office, or work in most government jobs.

Diversity in America

A Nation of Immigrants All U.S. coins include the phrase E pluribus unum, which means “out of many, one.” This reminds us that many diverse citizens have joined to create a single, unified nation. All of today’s more than 281 million Americans are descended from immigrants. The first Europeans to settle permanently in North America came from Spain during the 1500s. Beginning in the 1600s, people arrived from France and England.

A flood of immigrants arrived between 1860 and 1890, many from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Another flood arrived between 1890 and 1924, mostly from central and eastern Europe. Today, Latin America accounts for the largest share of newcomers, followed by Asia. Western and central Africans were brought to America by force and sold as slaves.

A Diverse Population Americans are ethnically diverse. Whites of European descent are the largest group, followed by African Americans and Hispanics, Asians and Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans.

Religious diversity thrives in the US. American culture is a rich blend of varied influences.

Melting Pot Because of our diversity, the U.S. has been described as a melting pot. The ingredients in the pot (different cultures, races and religions) are combined so as to develop a multi-ethnic society. The term, which originates from the United States, is often used to describe societies experiencing large scale immigration from many different countries.

Salad Bowl The salad bowl concept suggests that many different cultures combine like a salad. Various American cultures are combined but do not merge together into a single homogeneous culture; each culture keeps its own distinct qualities. This is often used instead of a melting pot that suggests that ethnic groups are unable to preserve their cultures.

A Growing & Changing Population In the mid-1800s people began moving from farms to factory jobs in cities. After slavery ended, a migration, or mass movement, occurred as African Americans left the South seeking jobs in the North. The average age of citizens is climbing upward. More Americans now earn college degrees. Hispanics are the fastest-growing ethnic group.

Unity Among Citizens Americans share a common civic and political heritage including the ideals of individual rights, popular sovereignty, equal justice under the law, and majority rule through a representative government. A common language is another source of unity.

Americans show patriotism—love for one’s country. The attacks of September 11, 2001 were acts of terrorism. Americans responded with unity.

The New Colossus By Emma Lazarus Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. "Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"