 Citizens are people with rights and certain responsibilities to a government.  Every country has rules about how to gain citizenship.  In the US there are 2 ways to become a citizen:  By birth  Or for foreigners who choose to become citizens there is a legal process called naturalization.

 If you were born in one of the 50 states,Washington D.C., a US military base, or a US territory (Guam, Puerto Rico, etc.) you are automatically a US citizen.  If you were born elsewhere, but your parents are US citizens you can claim citizenship.

 Several million noncitizens, called aliens, live in the US. Some come to study at US colleges, work, or visit relatives. These people can apply for a visa and stay for a limited time period.  Other aliens plan to remain in the country permanently. They are known as immigrants.  People have been immigrating to the US as long as it has existed.

 If you plan on staying in the US permanently, you are supposed to file for citizenship. The legal process to become a US citizen is called naturalization.  Steps:  1. File a Declaration of Intent- states you plan on becoming a citizen  2. Live in the country for five years.  3. During that 5 years, you take special classes to prepare for citizenship.  4. File application for citizenship  5. Take citizenship exam  6. Attend ceremony and pledge oath of allegiance  7. Sign document and be declared a citizen

1. What is the supreme law of the land? ▪ the Constitution 2. What does the Constitution do? ▪ sets up the government ▪ defines the government ▪ protects basic rights of Americans 3. The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words? ▪ We the People 4. What is an amendment? ▪ a change (to the Constitution) ▪ an addition (to the Constitution) 5. What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution? ▪ the Bill of Rights 6. What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment * Freedom of Speech

 The US restricts the number of immigrants who can enter the US each year.  Millions apply, but only 675,000 are accepted each year.  This leads to a large number of undocumented aliens entering the country each year.  Approx. 5 to 6 million aliens live in the US illegally.  Some of these were denied permission to immigrate, while others never filed.

 There are many ways illegal immigrants enter the country:  Some enter as temporary visitors, but never leave  Others risk capture and arrest by illegally crossing the borders with Mexico or Canada.  Others stayed in the country after their visas expired.  It is against the law to hire illegal aliens.  If an immigrant is found to be in the country illegally they can be deported or sent back to their home country.  The US Border Patrol is in charge of policing the borders with Mexico and Canada.

 Aliens who have entered the country legally have many of the same rights as citizens:  They can hold jobs  Own property  Attend school  They pay taxes and can receive government protection.  However, they may not vote or run for public office.  They are required to carry identification with them at all times.