Chapter 1, Section 2 The Path to Citizenship

Main Idea: In the U.S., there are two ways to become a citizen: by birth and by a process called naturalization.

I. Who are America’s Citizens? (15) A. The Constitution establishes two ways to become an American citizen: 1. Birth 2. Naturalization- legal process to become citizen

3. Born on U.S military base overseas. 4. Born outside the U.S.: if both parents are citizens or at least one parent is a citizen and has lived in the U.S. 5. Child born on U.S soil to non-U.S. citizens (except children of diplomats).

B. Automatically a U.S citizen if: 1. Born in a state or D.C. 2. Born in American territory (Puerto Rico, Guam)

C. A child born abroad to American parents may hold dual citizenship. D. Alien- Non-citizens…..may become naturalized E. Immigrants- people who move permanently to a new country ***More than half a million gain U.S citizenship annually*** POPULATION CHART

The Naturalization Process Steps: 1. file Declaration of Intention with USCIS 2. Waiting period while living in U.S ( 5 yrs- only 3 yrs if married to citizen) take classes to prepare 3. if 18 and lived in state for 3 months file Application for Citizenship 4. Interview (must be good moral character) 5. Examination 6. Take Oath of Allegiance (child under 18 also)

Oath of Allegiance "I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."

In some cases, USCIS allows the oath to be taken without the clauses: ". . .that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by law. . ." If USCIS finds that you are unable to swear the oath using the words “on oath,” you may replace these words with “and solemnly affirm.” If USCIS finds that you are unable to use the words “so help me God” because of your religious training or beliefs, you are not required to say these words.

F. Americans keep their citizenship for life! unless: (ways to lose citizenship) 1. they choose to give it up (expatriation). automatic if become a naturalized citizen of another country 2. stripped of citizenship because of fraud or deception during the process (denaturalization) 3. punishment for a crime (treason, rebellion, attempt to overthrow the gov)

II. Aliens in America (18-19) A. U.S restricts the number of immigrants that enter the country. *** Highest priority goes to people that have skills and money to contribute to our economy.*** B. Many aliens live here illegally. Most come looking for a better life. Laws forbid hiring illegal aliens.

C. Deport- Send them back to their own country D. Legal aliens live like most Americans. Hold jobs, pay taxes, but do not have full political rights (can’t vote, run for office etc…)

Mini Quiz!!! Tom Petty- “American Girl” 1. Name the two U.S territories where you automatically become a U.S. citizen if you are born there… 2. When you hold citizenship in not one, but two countries, what is that called? 3. How long does an American keep their citizenship? Can you give it up? 4. Name the two ways you can become an American citizen…