Chapter One (Section Two)

“Who Are US Citizens?”

Americans Are From Everywhere Our country has changed throughout the years as various groups have settled here from other countries around the world. They brought with them different languages, customs, beliefs, etc. People who come from other countries and adopt American customs are called immigrants. Is America a “melting pot” or “tossed salad”?

Early Americans Scientists believe that the first people to settle in North America were from Asia from 12,000-40,000 years ago. These early groups were the ancestors of the modern-day American Indians. Christopher Columbus and his crews built the first settlements in America.

The Immigrants – Early European Descendants

Early European Descendants Until the mid-1900’s, most of our immigrants came from Europe. Spanish and British settlers were among the first to migrate and eventually the 13 Colonies were formed.

Forced African Migration Between 1619 and 1808, an estimated 500,000 Africans were forcibly taken to America… * Many African Americans today are descendants of these people.

Religious Tolerance Many early settlers migrated to America to escape religious persecution. (Pilgrims) Sometimes the new settlements were tolerant; other times they were just as intolerant as their home countries. This would eventually lead to the adoption of the 1 st Amendment to the US Constitution.

Immigration Policy Beginning in the 1880s, the government passed laws about immigration. - Chinese Exclusion Act In the 1920s, laws established quotas to further limit the number of people admitted into the US.

Immigration Policy Today the Immigration Act of 1990 sets a total annual quota of 65,000 immigrants permitted. Shift towards “those who want to work and produce and contribute…”

Immigration Policy Aliens are people who live in a country but are not a citizen of that country. An immigrant is an alien. Today, most US immigrants come from Spanish-speaking countries.

The 14 th Amendment (1868) The “14 th Amendment” defines a U.S. citizen as anyone “born or naturalized in the United States”

“Citizenship by Birth”

“Citizenship by Birth” Law of Blood – Jus Sanguinis Both parents are U.S. citizens… One parent is a U.S. citizen who lives in the U.S….

“Citizenship by Birth” Born on U.S. soil, including, territories or military bases… Law of Soil – Jus Soil Dual citizenship

“Citizenship by Naturalization”

“Naturalization Process” Step #1: Aliens must apply for a permanent residency visa (“green card”) and wait five years.

“Naturalization Process” Step #2: Aliens must apply for citizenship and file their “declaration of intention” with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)… Albert Einstein’s Application

“Naturalization Process” Step #3: Aliens must get fingerprinted. Why do we think that this is an important step in obtaining citizenship?

“Naturalization Process” Step #4: “Aliens” must interview and test with the USCIS… All applicants must take the Citizenship Exam in ENGLISH… Basic knowledge of reading, writing, U.S. history, etc…

“Naturalization Process” Step #5: Once the applicants pass the “citizenship” exam, they attend a ceremony… Here, the new citizens pledge their loyalty to the U.S. and to obey the laws – Take “Oath of Allegiance”

“Oath of Allegiance” "I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."

Rights of Naturalized Citizens A naturalized citizens has all the same rights and duties as a natural-born citizen. Examples of Rights – Hold jobs – Run for election – Serve on juries – Vote Only exception – naturalized citizens cannot become the President!

Can you LOSE your citizenship?

YES, but it is very rare. The U.S. Government has the power to grant citizenship AND take it away… Most Americans who give up their citizenship do it voluntarily… CAREFUL: Once you renounce your citizenship to the U.S., there is NO going back or changing your mind…

“Legal Aliens” in America There are 21.7 million legal aliens living in the US. A legal alien is a citizen of another country who has received permission to enter the US. “Legal Aliens” do NOT have full political rights… They can NOT vote, run for office, serve on juries, or hold most government jobs…

“Illegal Immigrants” in America Approximately 5 to 6 million “illegal immigrants” live in the United States… Most enter the U.S. illegally, failing to go through the proper channels… Many enter the US in search of jobs, education, healthcare or a better place to raise their family.

“Illegal Aliens” in America “Illegal Aliens” who are caught are often deported back to their country… The U.S. “Border Patrol” is given the task of preventing illegal immigration…

Refugees Refugees are people who are trying to escape the dangers of their home countries – fleeing due to persecution, war, or other crisis situations s – Cuban Refugees to Florida The President and Congress set quotas each year to allow a certain number of refugees into the US.