Citizenship

In your opinion, what is an American? What comes to mind when you hear the word “American?” Use your imagination and draw a picture that reflects what an American is to you. Requirements for your picture should include: –No Words –A brief explanation of your drawing on the back of you paper

Ways to Become a US Citizen Born in the U.S. or a U.S. territories At least one of your parents is a US citizen when you are born Go through the Naturalization process when you turn 18 or under 18 when parents went through process

Naturalization Process 1.Sign and File Declaration of Intention with the Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS)File Declaration 2.Next 5 years, take special classes to learn about USA 3.File for Citizenship if you live in a state for three months prior to filing 4.Interview with INS officer 5.Take Citizenship test 6.INS reviews information and makes decision if you should have citizenship 7.Approved, then take oath of allegiance at special ceremony

Duties of Citizens- actions required by citizens by law Obeying the law Register for Selective Service Serve as a witness or juror in court Attending school until 16 Paying taxes Responsibilities of Citizens: voluntary acts not required by law Voting Being informed Participating in Government Respecting the rights of others

Immigration in the United States Immigrant- someone who moves permanently to another country “Nation of Immigrants”- every citizen is someone who came to this country from somewhere else Immigration Quotas- limits on the number of people allowed in to U.S. each year (700,000 to 900,000) Where are most immigrants in the United States coming from today?

Alien- non-citizen living in the U.S. **E Pluribus Unum- “out of many, one”** many diverse citizens come together to make the US a strong nation Where did immigrants come from? 1.Europe- 1st arrived from Spain 2.Africa- slaves Migration- mass movement of people Example: African Americans moved North after the Civil War. How are we united in the U.S.? 1.Language 2.Common Civic and Political Heritage 3.Patriotism Terrorism- the use of violence to achieve a political goal