CITIZENSHIP

Who are American citizens?

Citizens are people with rights and certain responsibilities to a government.

Every country has rules about how to gain citizenship.

In the US there are 2 ways to become a citizen: By birth Or for foreigners who choose to become

citizens there is a legal process called naturalization.

Citizenship By Birth

If you were born in one of the 50 states ,Washington D.C., a US military base, or a US territory (Guam, Puerto Rico, etc.) you are automatically a US citizen.

If you were born elsewhere, but your parents are US citizens you can claim citizenship.

The Naturalization Process

Several million noncitizens , called aliens, live in the US. Some come to study at US colleges, work, or visit relatives. These people can apply for a visa and stay for a limited time period.

Other aliens plan to remain in the country permanently. They are known as immigrants.

People have been immigrating to the US as long as it has existed.

If you plan on staying in the US permanently, you are supposed to file for citizenship. The legal process to become a US citizen is called naturalization.

Steps: 1. File a Declaration of Intent- states you plan

on becoming a citizen 2. Live in the country for five years. 3. During that 5 years, you take special classes

to prepare for citizenship. 4. File application for citizenship 5. Take citizenship exam 6. Attend ceremony and pledge oath of

allegiance 7. Sign document and be declared a citizen

1. What is the supreme law of the land? ▪ the Constitution2. What does the Constitution do? ▪ sets up the government ▪ defines the government ▪ protects basic rights of Americans3. The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words? ▪ We the People4. What is an amendment? ▪ a change (to the Constitution) ▪ an addition (to the Constitution)5. What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution? ▪ the Bill of Rights6. What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment * Freedom of Speech

Aliens in America

The US restricts the number of immigrants who can enter the US each year.

Millions apply, but only 675,000 are accepted each year.

This leads to a large number of undocumented aliens entering the country each year.

Approx. 5 to 6 million aliens live in the US illegally.

Some of these were denied permission to immigrate, while others never filed.

There are many ways illegal immigrants enter the country: Some enter as temporary visitors, but never

leave Others risk capture and arrest by illegally

crossing the borders with Mexico or Canada. Others stayed in the country after their visas

expired. It is against the law to hire illegal aliens. If an immigrant is found to be in the

country illegally they can be deported or sent back to their home country.

The US Border Patrol is in charge of policing the borders with Mexico and Canada.

Legal Aliens

Aliens who have entered the country legally have many of the same rights as citizens: They can hold jobs Own property Attend school They pay taxes and can receive government

protection. However, they may not vote or run for public

office. They are required to carry identification with

them at all times.