1. The Path to Citizenship
C & E

3. EQs How can people become citizens of the United States?
How are both legal and illegal aliens able to live in the U.S.?

4. Key Terms
Naturalization
Alien
Immigrant
Deport

5. Key Concept
Becoming a citizen

6. Who Are American Citizens?
“born or naturalized in the United States”
2 ways to become a citizen:
Birth
Naturalization

7. Citizenship by Birth
Born in 50 states, District of Columbia, or American territory
Born to parents who are citizens or one citizen parent who lived in the US
Children born here to noncitizens
Exception – Diplomats’ children
Dual citizenship = both US and another country

8. Naturalization Process
Noncitizens = aliens
Came to US to study, visit, or work
Immigrants
Steps of Naturalization
Sign statement declaring desire to become citizen
Filed w/ Immigration & Naturalization Service (INS)
Live 5 years in US
Take special classes to prepare for citizenship
18 yrs old & lived in same state for 3 months – file an application
Interview w/ INS
Take a citizenship exam
Questions about reading, writing & speaking English and basic history facts concerning US and gov’t
Final step is oath of allegiance & ceremony
Sign doc.

9. American soldier during the Vietnam War

10. A Lifelong Privilege Keep citizenship forever
Only fed gov’t can take away (& give) citizenship
If someone voluntarily gives up citizenship – can never regain citizenship

11. Aliens in America Millions of people apply to enter US each year
~675,000 allowed in
People allowed in based on particular skills, talents, or money to invest in our economy

12. Illegal Aliens
Some refused permission to enter, other never applied for fear of rejection
Agnst law to hire illegal aliens
Risk capture and deportation back to their country
Border patrols try to regulate & prevent illegal immigration

13. Legal Aliens
Both legal & illegal aliens may hold jobs, own property, attend public schools, & receive gov’t services
Have to pay taxes
Guaranteed legal protection
Do not have full political rights
Cannot vote or run for office
Must carry identification cards at all times

14. Citizens Aliens How Alike? How Different? Have full political rights
Can work
Can own property
Guaranteed protection
Attend public school
Pay taxes
Receive gov’t services
How Alike?
How Different?
Have full political rights
Can run for office
Can vote
Can go anywhere w/o ID
Do not have full political rights
Have to always have ID
Cannot run for office
Cannot serve on juries