American Citizenship and Government Chapter 1: Section 2 and 3

Path to Citizenship in the United States The US Constitution established two ways to become a citizen: 1.By birth 2.Naturalization—a process that foreign born people go through if they want to become a citizen. If you were born in any of the 50 states or the District of Columbia, you automatically become an American citizen at birth.

Rules For Being Born Outside Of the Country If one is born outside the country, but in American territory, such as Puerto Rico or Guam, or on a United States military base overseas, he or she would still automatically become a United States citizen. Even if you were born elsewhere, you could still claim American citizenship if your parents are both citizens or if one is a citizen who has lived in the United States.

Children Born By Non-U.S. Citizens Children born on American soil to non-United States citizens also acquire citizenship at birth. This has been highly controversial in United States History, considering that many babies have literally been born on the border between the United States and Mexico. What is your opinion on this issue?

The Naturalization Process—Aliens and Immigrants Several million noncitizens, or aliens, live in the United States. Some come to study, to work, or to visit relatives. Aliens normally remain citizens in their native countries and eventually return home. There are others, however, who plan to settle here and become citizens. According to statistics, more than half a million immigrants—people who move here permanently to a new country—obtain American citizenship each year.

The Naturalization Process Here are the three steps to becoming legal in the United States, although there are several steps within that make the process much longer: 1.Beginning The Process 2.Interview and Examination 3.Oath of Allegiance The Naturalization Process can be extremely difficult. It has been proven that most United States Citizens cannot pass this test.

Losing Citizenship Whether they are naturalized or native-born, most Americans keep their citizenship forever. State governments can deny, or refuse, a convicted criminal some of the privileges of citizenship, such as voting, but they do not have the power to deny citizenship itself. The federal government, however, may strip naturalized citizens of citizenship if it was improperly gained.

Three Ways To Lose Citizenship The three ways to lose citizenship is through: Denaturalization—through fraud or deception during the process. Expatriation—leaving one’s native country to live in a foreign country. Punishment for a crime—when convicted of certain federal crimes that involve extreme disloyalty, such as treason, participating in a rebellion, or attempts to overthrow a government through violent means.

Different Types of Aliens United States law classifies aliens into different categories. A resident alien is a person from a foreign country who has established permanent residency in the United States. A nonresident alien is a person from a foreign country who expects to stay in the United States for a short, specified period. Refugees are people fleeing their country to escape persecution.

Important Notes About Aliens Aliens who have entered the United States legally lead lives much like those who are naturally born as American citizens. Legal aliens, for example, many hold jobs, own property, attend public schools, and receive other government services. They pay taxes and are entitled to legal protection. Aliens, however, do not have full political rights, such as voting in elections or running for office. They may not serve on juries or work in most American government jobs. Aliens must carry identification cards on them at all times.

Section 2 Review and Assignments Complete the section 2 review on page 19. you should complete questions 1 through 5. Just like today, you will be able to use these on your note quizzes. What is your opinion on immigration? Based on what you have learned about the naturalization process, do you think that immigrants “ truly earn” citizenship through the naturalization process? Explain your answer.

Important Notes About Class You all will be given a study guide for your Chapter 1 Test on Friday. Your first test will be on Monday. We will begin Chapter 2 on Tuesday and we will quickly go through the material in order of preparing you all for your state exam. Please use your vacation time wisely. Spend at least 15 to 30 minutes per day looking at key concepts with your textbook.