Chapter 1 Foundations of American Citizenship

What is civics? Civics is the study of the rights and duties of citizens. Rights-privileges guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Duties-things you are required to do by law.

Who Are American Citizens? born in the 50 states or the territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, or the American Samoa) born to a U.S. citizen (May have dual citizenship) Anyone who has successfully completed the naturalization process

A Diverse America USA = a nation of immigrants Forced immigration = Slaves Recently most have come from Central America or Asia “Salad Bowl” Theory

Middle Passage Between 1525 and 1866, in the entire history of the slave trade to the New World, according to the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Database, 12.5 million Africans were shipped to the New World. 10.7 million survived the dreaded Middle Passage, disembarking in North America, the Caribbean and South America.

A Changing America America has experienced many different migrations- a mass movement of people within the country From farms to the industrial jobs of the cities (mid 1800s) African-Americans moving from the South to the North after the Civil War (late 1800s) From Cities to suburbs (1950s to present) From Northeast to South and West (1980s to present)

A “More-changing” America Manufacturing economy to a SERVICE economy The average age of Americans is climbing and people are having fewer children Record number of Americans are going to college Hispanic-Americans are now the fastest growing group in America

2015 Census Estimates America’s estimated population in 2015: 321,418,820 - White: 61.6% Black or African American: 13.3% American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.2% Asian: 5.6% Native Hawaiian an other Pacific Islander: 0.2% Two or more races: 2.6% Some other race: 0.2% Hispanic or Latino: 17.6% (Source: U.S. Census Bureau: National Population Estimates) 2016 American Population Projection: 324,129,576

What Brings America Together? American values freedom, justice, equality, respect, tolerance A common language (English) Traditional American Institutions: -Family -Religion -Education -Social -Government

Immigrants In America Limits on immigration ~675,000 accepted annually Priority: relatives already here & special skills

Legal Immigration Here from another country…with permission Why USA??? Jobs schools Function like “citizen” with limitations Must pay taxes

Legal Aliens vs. American Citizens Can’t vote or run for office No jury duty Can’t hold government jobs Must always carry an identification card to prove their legal status (green card)

Illegal Immigrants ~5 to 6 million people per year enter illegally Most risk capture and terrible conditions to cross the border Seek a better life Illegal to hire Face deportation

How to become a Citizen? Jus Sanguinis (Right of Blood) One parent is a U.S. Citizen, birthplace does not matter Jus Soli (Right of Birthplace) If child is born in the U.S., even if parents are illegal immigrants Naturalization 18 years old Permanent U.S. residency for 5 years, or if married to a U.S. citizen, 3 years Good moral character Read, write, speak English (some exceptions for Senior adults) Citizenship test Oath of Allegiance

STEPS to NATURALIZATION File Application for citizenship Pass Citizenship Exam Declaration of Intention Pledge OATH to USA INS Interview STEPS to NATURALIZATION File With INS