Warm-up Who is a citizen? Who is a citizen? How does a person become a citizen? How does a person become a citizen?

Who is a citizen? How do you become a citizen?

Citizen A citizen is an individual with certain rights and duties who owes allegiance to that government. A citizen is an individual with certain rights and duties who owes allegiance to that government.

Who is not a Citizen? An alien is a person who is living in a country, but is not a citizen An alien is a person who is living in a country, but is not a citizen Most aliens living in our country are here legally, and have permission to be here. Most aliens living in our country are here legally, and have permission to be here.

Citizenship Defined in Constitution The 14 th Amendment defines citizenship as “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and the state wherein they reside.” The 14 th Amendment defines citizenship as “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and the state wherein they reside.”

2 WAYS TO BECOME AN AMERICAN CITIZEN 1. BIRTH 1. BIRTH 2. NATURALIZATION

CITIZENSHIP Most of us are Americans by BIRTH. If you were born in a U.S. state or territory or if one of both of your parents are U.S. citizens, you are a citizen by birth. Most of us are Americans by BIRTH. If you were born in a U.S. state or territory or if one of both of your parents are U.S. citizens, you are a citizen by birth. Also called “native-born” citizens Also called “native-born” citizens

PUERTO RICO, VIRGIN ISLANDS, and GUAM These are an American territories. Therefore, they are American citizens by BIRTH. These are an American territories. Therefore, they are American citizens by BIRTH.

NATURALIZATION “NATURALIZATION” is the legal process by which an alien may become an American citizen. is the legal process by which an alien may become an American citizen.

To be eligible for naturalization, 1. an alien must first enter the United States LEGALLY. Illegal immigrants are NOT eligible for U.S. citizenship. 1. an alien must first enter the United States LEGALLY. Illegal immigrants are NOT eligible for U.S. citizenship.

To be eligible for naturalization, 2. an alien must prove they have been a legal resident of the U.S. for at least FIVE years. 2. an alien must prove they have been a legal resident of the U.S. for at least FIVE years.

EXCEPTION An alien who marries an American citizen must reside in the U.S. for at least THREE years. An alien who marries an American citizen must reside in the U.S. for at least THREE years.

To be eligible for naturalization, 3. an alien must be at least 18 years of age.

CITIZENSHIP TEST Pass the citizenship test Read, write, and speak English U.S. History and Government

Children of Naturalized U.S. Citizens When parents become naturalized U.S. citizens, their minor children with green cards gain U.S. citizenship automatically. When parents become naturalized U.S. citizens, their minor children with green cards gain U.S. citizenship automatically.

IMMIGRATION Immigration is the act of entering a country with the intention of permanently living and/or working there. Immigration is the act of entering a country with the intention of permanently living and/or working there.

Immigration in 1900’s Immigration and naturalization, particularly in the twentieth century (1900’s), have led to an increasingly diverse society. (Diverse - not all the same) Immigration and naturalization, particularly in the twentieth century (1900’s), have led to an increasingly diverse society. (Diverse - not all the same)

Diversity – not all the same Why is diversity good for our country? Why is diversity good for our country? What challenges does increased diversity pose for our country? What challenges does increased diversity pose for our country?

What Permanent Residence (a Green Card) Is If you want to be able to make your permanent home in the United States, you'll need what is called "permanent residence," or a "green card." Green card holders can live and work in the U.S. and travel in and out, with very few restrictions (though they can't vote, and can be deported if they abuse their status). If you want to be able to make your permanent home in the United States, you'll need what is called "permanent residence," or a "green card." Green card holders can live and work in the U.S. and travel in and out, with very few restrictions (though they can't vote, and can be deported if they abuse their status).

What a Temporary Visa Is People who want to come to the United States for a limited time need what is called a "nonimmigrant" visa. This lets them participate in specified activities (such as studying, visiting, or working) until their visa runs out. Students and businesspeople make up the largest groups of nonimmigrant visa holders. Nonimmigrant visas are also issued for tourists, exchange visitors, and workers with some kind of specialty that is lacking in the U.S. workforce. People who want to come to the United States for a limited time need what is called a "nonimmigrant" visa. This lets them participate in specified activities (such as studying, visiting, or working) until their visa runs out. Students and businesspeople make up the largest groups of nonimmigrant visa holders. Nonimmigrant visas are also issued for tourists, exchange visitors, and workers with some kind of specialty that is lacking in the U.S. workforce.

Naturalized Citizens… have the same rights and duties as native-born Americans. have the same rights and duties as native-born Americans.

Only difference between native-born and naturalized citizens is…. Only a native-born citizen can become PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. Only a native-born citizen can become PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

All citizens are protected by the U.S. Constitution.

Discussion Questions Do you think the requirements to become a citizen are fair? Do you think the requirements to become a citizen are fair? Do you think naturalized citizens make better citizens? Do you think naturalized citizens make better citizens?