Immigration and Citizenship Lesson Seven: Becoming an American

Objective

Students will understand the idea of a citizen as being a member of a country who has certain rights and responsibilities.

Students will recognize our national motto, “e pluribus unum,” as meaning “out of many, one” and as being descriptive of our country.

To able to explain the benefits of being a U.S. citizen

Vocabulary

Citizen – a person who is a legal member of a country

Naturalization – becoming a citizen of another country, even though a person was not born in that country

Once the immigrants got settled in America, they were eager to begin the steps to become full “members” of our country, to become Americans. A person who is a legal member of a country is called a “citizen.” How can people prove that they are born in the United States? (Birth Certificates)

How do you get to be an American Citizen? If you are born in the United States, you are automatically a citizen of this country. But you don’t have to be born here to be a citizen.

Immigrants can become United States citizens, too, if they want to.

So you want to become a citizen?

First you have to live in the Unites States for 5 years

During that time you have to obey the law and pay taxes

Becoming a Citizen You must take a test on American history and government

After passing the test, you make a pledge to be loyal to the United States

Now, you are an United States Citizen

Responsibilities of a Citizen

As a citizen of the United states you have certain rights and responsibilities. For example All adult Americans citizens have the right to vote All citizens have the responsibility to obey the law and

pay taxes.

Take the Test

Take the citizenship test and see if you can pass.

Review

What are the steps you need to take to become a citizen?

First you have to live in the Unites States for 5 years

During that time you have to obey the law and pay taxes

You must take a test on American history and government

After passing the test, you make a pledge to be loyal to the United States

Being a Good Citizen

Video on the book Being a Good Citizen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3_REZhqR9g