Who are US Citizens? How does one become a citizen?

Early Americans Where do archeologists (scientists who study the remains of past cultures) believe the first Americans originally came from? Who settled and made up the original thirteen colonies? ancestors of modern-day American Indians Vikings came A.D. 1000, but did not establish permanent settlements 1492, Columbus, Spanish establish permanent settlements Mostly people from the British Isles Other colonists included Germans in PA Dutch along the Hudson River Swedes along the Delaware River French in NY, MA and SC Africans came as slaves America began as a land of immigrants (people from other lands) and has been settled and populated by people from all over the world.

U.S. Immigration Policy Why? Quota Refugees Why today? U.S. provides economic opportunities Agricultural workers and factory laborers needed as country grew Few limitations on immigration during first part of 1800s Set number of how many immigrants could come from a particular country or region ; 1880-1920 limits began Today immigration policy is guided by the Immigration Act of 1990 Set at 675,000 immigrants a year with preference given to spouses and children of US citizens and resident aliens (aliens-citizens of another country) People fleeing persecution in their home country Not part of the quota or annual limit President and Congress work together to set a number Recent immigrants from Asia and Latin American countries escape war, political conflict or join family in U.S. Policy changes as the needs of the U.S. change. Immigration patterns change over time as circumstances in other countries change.

Citizenship by Birth Many routes to become a citizen. How do Americans gain citizenship? What about children born here whose parents are not citizens? Children born here whose parents are officials representing a foreign country? Who decides?? Native-born (by birth or parents) born in any U.S. state or territory or one or both parents a U.S. citizen if born abroad jus sanguine -Latin –right of blood Naturalization (The legal process of acquiring citizenship for someone who has not acquired it by birth) In most cases, they are citizens jus solis- Latin- by land Not usually as their parents are under the authority of another country INS- Immigration and Naturalization Services, an agency of the U.S. Dept. of Justice Many routes to become a citizen.

Aliens in the United States Who are Aliens? What rights and responsibilities do aliens have? Citizens of a foreign country Most here on visit Some work and live here or attend school, but expect someday to return to their homeland In 2000, 18.7 m, foreign-born U.S. residents who are not citizens Must obey laws of country or can be deported (forced to leave the country) Enjoy many benefits of U.S. citizenship but cannot vote, hold public office State laws prohibit aliens from holding certain types of jobs, such as teaching in public schools Aliens must register with INS and provide a current address 1 out of every 15 Americans are aliens. Many Americans have been aliens at some time in their history. INS keeps track of immigrants and requirements.

Illegal Immigration Who are undocumented residents? Recent solutions to illegal immigration? Did it work? More recent strategies? Aliens who live in the country illegally No one has an accurate number, but INS estimates about 7 million 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act passed Meant to legalize the status of undocumented workers and reduce illegal immigration. Illegal immigration remains high Thought that ½ of undocumented workers come from Mexico for work and more prosperous life Arizona legislation Florida legislation

Citizenship by Naturalization? Requirements 5 Steps in the process At least eighteen years old Permanent legal resident for at least five years (special circumstances apply, spouses) Physically present for at least half the time Are of good moral character / support themselves Show commitment to the principles of the Constitution Read, write and speak adequate English Demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and government Take oath of allegiance Restrictions apply Declaration of intent Application, called petition for naturalization Interview Background check and approval Oath of Allegiance, certificate of naturalization It is not easy to become a citizen. After establishing residence, immigrants still need to have knowledge and pride in America . They must meet requirements, pass a test and swear an Oath.

In what ways do citizens participate in their communities? Activism Volunteerism Voting Selective Service Jury duty Tax paying Why Americans need to be engaged in civic affairs

Summary of Citizenship Create your own PowerPoint and upload it to the wiki. Please make sure that it includes the following: Describe why you enjoy being an American citizen. Provide pictures, graphics, etc. to “enliven” the presentation. Provide scripture that supports and describes what it means for us “to be citizens of Heaven.”