1. A History of Immigration to the U.S.

2. Aliens in America Only about 675,000 immigrants are accepted into the United States each year There are approximately 12 million illegal immigrants living in the U.S. Highest priority goes to those with relatives in U.S. who are citizens and those with special job skills – Example: doctors, technology, professional sports players

3. Aliens vs. Illegal Aliens Aliens: (Resident and non- resident) – Have entered the United States LEGALLY – Through obtaining a VISA (or permission to come) – May hold jobs, own property, and are entitled to legal protection – Pay taxes! – Cannot vote, hold a government job, server on juries, or run for office – Must carry ID cards at all times Illegal Aliens: – Have entered the United States ILLEGALLY – Some were refused permission to immigrate – Some did not apply for permission—due to lengthy process – Enter as temporary visitors and never leave, illegally cross the borders at Mexico and Canada, water ways – Pay taxes – Stayed beyond their VISA date

4. Visa Nonimmigrant: Immigrant

6. Green Cards “Green Card” is another name for Permanent Residency Green Cards allow for individuals to stay in the U.S. permanently, though they will not receive the benefits of citizenship If you marry a U.S. citizen, you are automatically granted your permanent residency or “Green Card”

8. Refugees A person who is outside his/her country of nationality or residence seeking refugee status Sometimes known as asylum seekers—often on political and religious grounds About 10 countries in the world take “quota refugees” (based on a quota) usually because of war A claim for asylum may also be made “onshore” usually after making an unauthorized arrival – Example: Cubans escaping via boat U.S. Admittance Statistics

9. A Nation of Immigrants E pluribus unum…”Out of Many, One” Represents the diversity of the U.S.—and the idea that all Americans began as immigrants… Raises the question as to whether or not U.S. policies today should reflect this past

11. European Settlers The first Europeans to settle permanently in North American during the 1500s Beginning in the 1600s… During the late 1600s and the 1700s

12. Waves of Immigration… U.S. became known as the land of promise…idea of “American Dream” is born The number of immigrants grew from 600,000 in the 1830s to more than 2 million by the 1850s. Between 1860-1890 Between 1890-1924 For the past 50 years

13. African Immigrants Unwilling immigrants were forcibly removed from their homes in Western and central Africans Between 1619 and 1808, before it became illegal to bring enslaved persons into the U.S., 500,000 people were brought to the country this way Other African immigrants are from various countries in Africa and the Caribbean region