Citizenship
What is citizenship/citizens?? A member of a political community with rights and responsibilities
Rights vs. Responsibilities Rights of Citizens Responsibilities of Citizens Freedom of speech, religion, bare arms, etc. Right to own property Freedom from discrimination Equality under the law Right to vote Jury duty Pay taxes Obey laws Register for selective service Register to vote Tolerate others Be educated!!
14th Amendment Defined citizenship in the United States “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States.” Guaranteed that people of ALL races born in the U.S. and subject to its government are citizens
Sources of Citizenship
#1: Citizenship by the “Law of the Land” AKA jus soli Citizenship is granted to nearly all people born in the United States or United States territories Most common form of citizenship Children born to immigrant parents or to foreigners just “visiting” the United States WOULD BE citizens Some Exceptions If a foreign diplomat had a child in the United States, their child WOULD NOT be a citizen
#2: Citizenship by Birth to an American Parent AKA jus sanguinis– “law of the blood” Sometimes complicated If a child was born in a foreign nation and BOTH parents are United States citizens, the child is a citizen ONLY IF One of the parents must have been a legal resident of the United States at some point in their lives IF only ONE parent is an American citizen, that parent must have lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years (2 of those years had to be after the age of 14).
#3: Naturalization The process that allows immigrants to become American citizens Qualifications 1) Applicants must have entered the U.S. legally by obtaining a VISA 2) Must be of good moral character 3) Ability to read, write and speak English 4) Must declare their support of the principles of the American government 5) Must show the basic knowledge of American History & Government
#3: Naturalization To apply for citizenship, you must….. Be 18 years old Lived in the United States lawfully for at least 5 years *If married to a U.S. citizen, only 3 years residency is required*
#3: Naturalization Steps to Naturalization Declaration of Intent Petition for citizenship Investigation Oath of Allegiance
Declaration of Intent
Petition for Citizenship
Investigation Fingerprinted, asked questions about their moral character, question witnesses about applicant, interviewed. English & Civics test
Oath of Allegiance A judge of the federal district court gives the oath of allegiance to the applicant
Naturalized citizens MAY NEVER be the President or Vice-President Naturalization Naturalized citizens MAY NEVER be the President or Vice-President
Dual Citizenship A person is a citizen of two countries at the same time Example: Two U.S. citizens have a child in a foreign country. The child would be a U.S. citizen as BOTH parents are U.S. citizens and also a citizen by birth in the country they were born in.
Losing Citizenship Only the federal government can both grant and take away citizenship 3 ways to lose citizenship Expatriation: giving up one’s citizenship by leaving one’s native country to live in a foreign country A person who becomes a naturalized citizen in another country automatically loses their U.S. citizenship
Losing Citizenship Punishment for a crime When convicted of certain federal crimes such as treason, rebellion & attempts to overthrow the government through violent means
Losing Citizenship Denaturalization Loss of citizenship if fraud or deception is detected during the naturalization process
Immigrants/Aliens AKA “aliens” A person who lives in one country where he or she is not a citizen Not all immigrants intend to become citizens (work, school, etc. only)
Alien Classifications Resident alien: person from a foreign nation who has established a permanent residence in the U.S. Can stay in the U.S. as long as they wish without becoming a citizen Non-Resident Alien: person from a foreign country who expects to stay in the United States for a short period of time (media reporter)
Alien Classifications Enemy Alien: citizen of a nation with which the United States is at war Refugee: people fleeing to escape persecution or danger in their own country Illegal Alien: person who comes to the U.S. without a legal permit Illegally cross the border (Mexico/Canada, etc.)