Who are American Citizens? What is the Path to Citizenship?

What is Civics? Civics- the study of the rights and duties of citizen Citizen- community member who owes loyalty to the government and is entitled to protection from the government

Who are American Citizens? All Americans are immigrants or descendants of immigrants Immigrants- people that move permanently to a new country

A Diverse Population E pluribus Unum- the motto of the US meaning “Out of many, One” Melting Pot Theory- All individual ingredients become indistinguishable or a unified society Salad Bowl Theory- Like a salad, each ingredient remains distinct as it mixes together

A Diverse Population continued… Melting Pot Theory = Assimilation

A Diverse Population continued… Salad Bowl Theory = Diversity

Types of Citizens Birthright Citizens Dual Citizens Naturalized Citizens

Types of Citizens continued… Birthright Citizenship Born in any part of the US or territory of US; Includes Puerto Rico, Guam, or overseas US military base If your parents are both US citizens, you are a US citizen no matter where you are born Children born on American soil to non- US parents are also citizens

Types of Citizens continued… Dual Citizenship A person may enjoy the rights of two countries as a citizen of the US and another country Example- a child born abroad to American parents may be a citizen of their birth country and the US

Types of Citizens continued… Naturalized Citizenship Naturalization is the process in which a person not born in the US voluntarily becomes a US citizen

Steps to become Naturalized 1. File an Intent form- sign a Declaration of Intention 2. Live in the US for at least 5 years or 3 years if married 3. Be at least 18 years old 4. Take a Naturalization Test and Interview 5. Take a citizenship oath

Citizens Forever? Citizenship is forever unless the gov’t takes it away or you denounce it Denaturalization- loss of citizenship through fraud or deception Expatriation- renounce allegiance to one’s country Punishment for a crime can lose citizenship; treason, rebellion, attempt to overthrow the gov’t

Non-Citizens Aliens- non-citizens that live in the US ◦ Legal Aliens ◦ Illegal Aliens

Non-Citizens continued… Legal Aliens Have permission to be in the US ◦ Visa ◦ Green Card Can’t vote or hold public office Have the same legal rights as a citizen (can have jobs, attend school, etc.)

Non-Citizens continued… Illegal Aliens Cannot do anything legal in the US (vote, work, attend college) Can be deported or expelled if found