1. American Citizenship: A Brief Look at Naturalization History & the Current Process.

2. Automatic Citizenship
Jus sanguinis: “Law of Blood”
Jus soli: “Law of Soil”

3. A Brief History Originally a state-by-state decision
1790: Naturalization Act
“Free white persons”: 2-year residency
Changed to 5-years in 1795
1848: End of US-Mexico War grants citizenship to Mexican subjects living in new territories, including California
1857: Dred Scott Decision
1868: 14th Amendment: Remove racial barrier
1882: Chinese Exclusion Act

4. A Brief History (cont.)
1898: Guarantee citizenship to US-born citizens of foreign nationals.
1917: Jones Act: Puerto Rico
1924: Indian Citizenship (Snyder) Act
1940: Native American citizenship granted
1952: Immigration & Nationality Act
Current structure of immigration law upheld by USCIS
1965 Amendments: Remove quotas
2007: Comprehensive Reform Act
Tighten border security, provide legal path for million illegal immigrants for citizenship.

5. The Naturalization Process
Eligibility:
Permanent resident for 5 years
Permanent resident for 3 years as a spouse of an American citizen
Qualifying service in U.S. armed forces
If you were born and reside outside the U.S., but parents are American citizens.

6. Basic Timeline Application for Citizenship
Interview and Research Process
Evaluation of English competency
American Civics/History examination
Federal court oath of allegiance.

7. Exemptions for Naturalization
English Language: 50+ w/ 20 years, 55/15
Mental or physical disability
Automatic Withdrawals
Criminal records
History of Abuse
Gaps in history, etc.

8. Benefits and Responsibilities of American Citizenship
Benefits of Citizenship
Responsibilities of Citizens
Voting
Bring family to U.S.
Obtain citizenship for children born abroad
Travel with U.S. passport
Eligible for federal jobs
Become an elected official
Give up allegiance to prior nations
Swear allegiance to U.S.
Defend/support Constitution and laws of U.S.
Serve the country when called upon
Political Participation
Jury Duty
Tolerance

9. Ways to Lose Citizenship:
Expatriation
Voluntary v. Involuntary
Naturalization Fraud
Disloyalty: (i.e. John Walker Lindh)
Denaturalization
Deportation

10. U.S.C.I.S. Civics & History Exam