Citizenship: Duties and Responsibilities UNIT III – Effective Citizenship and Participation

Citizenship What is a citizen? A legally recognized subject of a state or commonwealth, either native or naturalized How does a person become a citizen of the U.S.? Born within the boundaries of the U.S. Born to a U.S. citizen Become naturalized (admitted by U.S. – usually by obtaining a green card)

Green Cards What is a green card? Who can qualify for a green card? A permit allowing a foreigner to live and work permanently in the U.S. Who can qualify for a green card? Relatives of U.S. citizens, preferred workers, refugees, diversity lottery winners, and special immigrants Why become a citizen? Why not just keep the green card? Green Card holders cannot vote, travel out of the U.S. for extended periods of time, and must keep immigration services informed of their whereabouts Why doesn’t everyone get a green card? They are very limited in some cases and there can be long waiting lists

Becoming Naturalized Must be green card holder for at least 5 years 18+ years old Lived in state of residence for last 3 months Have continuous residence in U.S. for last 5 years Be able to read, write, and speak English and have knowledge of U.S. history and government (must take a Civics test) Be a person of good moral character, attached to the principles of the U.S. Constitution

Controversy: Immigration Not a new issue – controversy around immigration has been around since the U.S. became a nation Chinese, Irish, eastern Europeans, etc. and now Hispanics have gone through hard times as immigrants Current controversies Birthright Citizenship Act DREAM Act

BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP ACT What is it? Why is it controversial? How do you feel about the issue?

DREAM ACT What is it? Why is it controversial? How do you feel about the issue?

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF U.S. CITIZENS

Being an Effective Citizen DUTIES RESPONSIBILITIES Citizens are REQUIRED to do Examples Citizen SHOULD do Examples