1. Citizenship

2. Who
A person who by birth or by choice owes allegiance to the United States

3. How You were born in the U.S.
Parent was a citizen of U.S. when you were born
Naturalized
You were under 18 when Parent was naturalized

4. Aliens
People who live in one country but are citizens of another one

5. USCIS The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services…
is the government agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States.
strengthen the security and integrity of the immigration system.
support immigrants’ integration and participation in American civic culture.

6. Aliens in America
The US limits the number of aliens that can enter the country, about 1,000,000 admitted yearly
There are more than 12 million aliens living in the US today
Two types of aliens
Legal
Illegal

7. Illegal Aliens Come to our country in many ways
Temporary visitors who never leave
Illegally cross borders
Foreigners who have stayed in US after legal permit have expired
If they are caught they can be deported to their home country
US Border Patrol is the law enforcement unit of the USCIS

8. Legal Aliens
Resident alien – person from a foreign country who has established a permanent address
Nonresident alien – expects to stay in the US for a short, specified period of time
Aliens lead lives much like those of American citizens
Aliens do not have full political rights
Cannot vote, serve on juries, or work in government jobs
Must carry identification at all times

9. Naturalization Must Learn English Must Study history of the U.S.
Must Learn values, laws, rights, & duties of a citizen

10. The Naturalization Process
Aliens must first declare their intent to become US citizens
Declaration of Intent filed with USCIS
Must live in US for 5 yrs (3 if married to US citizen)
Interview with USCIS official
Must have all requirements and be in good moral standing
Must take a citizenship test
After all steps are completed the USCIS makes its decision

11. Lose Citizenship You can give up your citizenship
Taken away for trying to overthrow the government

12. Citizenship
Only the government can both grant citizenship and take it away
Can strip naturalized citizens of citizenship if improperly obtained
Citizens can lose citizenship in three ways:
Denaturalization – loss of citizenship due to fraud during the naturalization process
Expatriatation- giving up citizenship to live in a foreign country
Punishment for a crime- may lose citizenship if convicted of certain crimes (treason, rebellion, or try to overthrow the government)

13. Job of the Citizen

14. Office of Citizen Rights (guaranteed by the Constitution but optional)
Duties (must follow, back by law and penalties if you do not)
Responsibilities (filled by choice, a voluntary decision)

15. Rights Vote & hold elected office
Say what you think in speech or writing
Practice your own religion
Fair Trial
To be protected by your government when travelling in other countries

16. Duties Obey the laws Defend the nation
Serving on a jury or as a witness
Pay taxes
Attend School

17. Responsibilities of a Citizen
Contribute to the Common Good by acting in ways that protect the rights and freedoms of other Americans.
Hold Public Office
Help a political ‘candidate’ run for public office
Influence Government (attend school board and local government meetings or write letters to public officials, etc
Serve the Community