1. Citizenship: Duties and Responsibilities
UNIT III – Effective Citizenship and Participation

2. Citizenship What is a citizen?
A legally recognized subject of a state or commonwealth, either native or naturalized
How does a person become a citizen of the U.S.?
Born within the boundaries of the U.S.
Born to a U.S. citizen
Become naturalized (admitted by U.S. – usually by obtaining a green card)

3. Green Cards What is a green card? Who can qualify for a green card?
A permit allowing a foreigner to live and work permanently in the U.S.
Who can qualify for a green card?
Relatives of U.S. citizens, preferred workers, refugees, diversity lottery winners, and special immigrants
Why become a citizen? Why not just keep the green card?
Green Card holders cannot vote, travel out of the U.S. for extended periods of time, and must keep immigration services informed of their whereabouts
Why doesn’t everyone get a green card?
They are very limited in some cases and there can be long waiting lists

4. Becoming Naturalized Must be green card holder for at least 5 years
18+ years old
Lived in state of residence for last 3 months
Have continuous residence in U.S. for last 5 years
Be able to read, write, and speak English and have knowledge of U.S. history and government (must take a Civics test)
Be a person of good moral character, attached to the principles of the U.S. Constitution

5. Controversy: Immigration
Not a new issue – controversy around immigration has been around since the U.S. became a nation
Chinese, Irish, eastern Europeans, etc. and now Hispanics have gone through hard times as immigrants
Current controversies
Birthright Citizenship Act
DREAM Act

6. BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP ACT
What is it?
Why is it controversial?
How do you feel about the issue?

7. DREAM ACT What is it? Why is it controversial?
How do you feel about the issue?

8. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF U.S. CITIZENS

9. Being an Effective Citizen
DUTIES
RESPONSIBILITIES
Citizens are REQUIRED to do Examples
Citizen SHOULD do Examples