WelcomeWelcome

You will need your Chapter 1 Outline and something to write with for today’s lesson.

Write in your learning goal sheet :

Students will be able to define the term “citizen” and identify the legal means of

becoming a citizen.

Chapter One (Section Two)Chapter One (Section Two)

““Who Are US Citizens?”Who Are US Citizens?”

Discussion QuestionDiscussion Question

What is the attitude on immigration today in the United States?

Americans Are From EverywhereAmericans 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”?

So Who Comes to America?So Who Comes to America?

Aliens are people who live in a country but are not a citizen of that country.

An immigrant is an alien who plans to remain here. Immigrants (like citizens) are considered to be residents of the US – because they live here permanently or on a long-term basis.

Today, most US immigrants come from Spanish-speaking countries.

ImmigrationImmigration Congress has the power to

regulate immigration (according to the US Constitution).

Beginning in the 1880s, the government passed laws about immigration. An example of this Chinese Exclusion Act.

In the 1920s, laws established quotas to further limit the number of people admitted into the US.

Immigration PolicyImmigration 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…” --- people with special skills, talents and money- have priority.

Who is a Citizen?Who is a Citizen?The 14The 14thth Amendment Amendment (1868) (1868)

The “14th Amendment” to the US Constitution defines a U.S. citizen as anyone “born or naturalized in the United States”

““Citizenship by Birth”Citizenship by Birth”

““Citizenship by Birth”Citizenship by Birth”Law of Blood – Jus SanguinisLaw of Blood – Jus Sanguinis

The term native born is given to anyone who is born in the US or to American parents.– Both parents are U.S. citizens.– One parent is a U.S. citizen who

lives in the U.S….

““Citizenship by Birth”Citizenship by Birth”

Law of Soil – Jus Soil Born on U.S. soil, including,

territories or military bases… Sometimes people can be “dual

citizens” According to the US Census

Bureau – 87.5% of Americans are native born.

““Citizenship by Naturalization”Citizenship by Naturalization”If you are not born an American citizen, you can go If you are not born an American citizen, you can go

through the process of through the process of naturalizationnaturalization. . Approximately Approximately 12.5%12.5% of Americans are naturalized.of Americans are naturalized.

FIVE STEP FIVE STEP “Naturalization Process”“Naturalization Process”

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

““Naturalization Process”Naturalization Process” Step #2: Aliens must apply

for citizenship and file their “declaration of intention” with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)…

To apply for naturalization, you must be at least 18 years of age

Albert Einstein’s Application

““Naturalization Process”Naturalization Process”

Step #3: Aliens must get fingerprinted.

Why do we think that this is an important step in obtaining citizenship?

““Naturalization Process”Naturalization Process” Step #4: “Aliens” must be

interviewed and pass a citizenship test with the USCIS…

All applicants must take the Citizenship Exam in ENGLISH…

Basic knowledge of reading, writing, U.S. history, etc…

““Naturalization Process”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” Oath of Allegiance” (think/pair/share interpretation activity)(think/pair/share interpretation activity)

"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 CitizensRights of Naturalized Citizens A naturalized citizen 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 Can you LOSE your citizenship?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 AmericaLegal 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 Aliens” in AmericaIllegal Aliens” in America Approximately 5 to 6 million

“illegal immigrants” live in the United States…

Most enter the U.S. illegally, and fail to have proper immigration documentation…

Many enter the US in search of jobs, education, healthcare or a better place to raise their family.

““Illegal Aliens” in AmericaIllegal 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…

RefugeesRefugees• Our immigration quota does not

include refugees.

Refugees are people who are trying to escape the dangers of their home countries – fleeing due to persecution, war, or other crisis situations.

1960-1970s – Cuban Refugees to Florida

The President and Congress set quotas each year to allow a certain number of refugees into the US.