US Citizenship & Issues Chapter 1.2

Immigration Issues What values do we share as Americans? –Freedom –Equality –Popular Sovereignty –Majority rule with minority rights –Economic Opportunity –Individual Intiative –Others?

Path to US Citizenship Citizen by birth Natural born citizen or Automatic citizenship Method 1: jus sanguanis –“Rule of the blood” –Born to a US citizen Method 2: jus soli –“Rule of the soil” –Born on any US soil (state, territory, vessel, etc.)

Path to US Citizenship Naturalization: The legal process of becoming a citizen The USCIS is in charge. Costs about $675! –Enter legally (Declaration of intent) –Be 18 years old (Discuss children) –Have continuous residency for 5 years (3 if married) –Be of good moral character –Speak English (Not for natural born citizens!) –Know about US history & government –Take Oath of Allegiance

Aliens vs. Immigrants Define the term! Answer the questions: –Are all aliens immigrants? Explain! –Are all immigrants aliens? Explain! Differentiate between the types of aliens in the US today with an example of each. –Resident alien--Refugee –Non-resident alien--Illegal alien What rights do citizens have that the above do not have?

Is it too hard or too easy to become a citizen? Can you pass the test? Let’s find out! Once naturalized, what one right is forever denied to these new citizens? What are the rights, duties & responsibilities of all citizens? As a citizen can you ever lose your citizenship? –Denaturalization (Only naturalized!) –Expatriation –Punishment for a crime

Immigration Issues What issues cause the US to tighten immigration laws? –Racism Example: Chinese Exclusion Act –Employment Fears Example: see above –Terrorism Example: Quota System –Cultural Change Fears Example: Johnson Act What issues cause the US to loosen its laws? –Economic Prosperity –Change in Values 14 th Amendment defines US citizenship- Discuss this week’s blog!