Citizenship in the United States Becoming a Citizen and Understanding Immigration Mr. Lowe Civics

Citizenship The Meaning of Citizenship -  In America, a citizen is a person who participates in a political community.  Our nation grants certain rights and privileges to its citizens; in return, we obey laws and contribute to our government. Rights and responsibilities of Citizens -  We must have knowledge of our laws that govern us so we can properly function and let our society “tick”  We must contribute to the American cause through participation – staying informed of public issues, taking part in the democratic process (voting), etc.

How One Becomes a Citizen There are two ways of becoming a citizen of the United States: 1. Birthright – a person is a citizen if they are born in the United States. Guaranteed upon their birth. 2. Naturalization – a process in which an immigrant (individual born outside of the U.S.) applies for citizenship through our government and is accepted

Birthright and Naturalized Citizenship Both birthright and naturalized citizenship are guaranteed in section 1 of the 14th Amendment of our Constitution: “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.”

So what about those individuals born outside of the U.S. who come to live here but are not labeled as a “citizen”?

Immigration Immigration is the movement of people into a country or region where they are not native to and they plan to permanently settle there. People emigrate for many reasons. Among them:  “Push” factors – i.e.) fear of poverty due to a dwindling economy, fear of religious discrimination, famine  “Pull” factors – i.e.) better economic opportunities, better schools, political freedom

Immigration Immigration is a historical phenomenon that continues today.

Immigrants Legal vs. Undocumented 1.) Legal Immigrant – an individual born outside of the U.S. to parents who are not U.S. citizens that have obtained a visa (temporary residence OR permanent residence) issued by the U.S. Dept. of State and maintains that legal status. Legal immigrants may obtain “legal permanent residency” status. These immigrants are granted this once they apply and are accepted for a green card. Legal Immigrants are subject to detainment and deportation if convicted of a crime.

2.) Undocumented Immigrant – an individual born outside of the U.S. to parents who are not U.S. citizens and have NOT obtained a visa nor provided (proper) documentation to the U.S. government. These individuals cannot vote, receive social services from federally funded programs, or hold U.S. passports. Undocumented Immigrants are also called “illegal immigrants” but we stem away from that term because of the negative connotation it may have. Undocumented Immigrants are subject to detainment and deportation at any time.

A Pathway to Citizenship for Immigrants Today, immigrants have an opportunity to become an American citizen through naturalization (as mentioned earlier). The Basic Requirements to apply:  Be age 18 or older  Be a legal permanent resident for a certain amount of time (usually 5 years)  Be a person of good moral character  Have basic knowledge of U.S. History and Government  Be able to read, write, and speak basic English (exceptions for elderly, and mentally/physically impaired)

Let's take a walk in an immigrant's shoes...