1. WHO ARE AMERICA’S CITIZENS?

2. U.S. CITIZENSHIP
What is the easiest method of becoming a U.S. citizen?
Birth
Other ways?
Naturalization - A legal way to obtain citizenship (rights and duties of a member of a state)
What is a dual citizen? Enjoy the rights in USA and in another country. IE: Children born abroad from US parents are citizens of both. Children of military personnel not born on US bases.

3. Steps for Naturalization
Non-citizens or aliens
Immigrants – Person who moves permanently to a new country
Sign declaration of intention
Live in US for at least 5 yrs.
If you are married to a US citizen only 3 yrs.
Take citizenship classes
If 18 and have lived in the state they seek naturalization for at least 3 months they may file for app of citizenship.

4. Steps for Naturalization
Interview and Exam – interview with USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) official. Take a citizenship exam
If pass exam and USCIS makes a positive decision.
Take Oath of Allegiance – ceremony where immigrant swears to be loyal to this county only, obey constitution, laws and perform military if needed.

5. ALIENS AND IMMIGRANTS What’s the difference?
Aliens come to study, work, visit. They remain citizens of their own country and eventually return home.
Immigrants – seek to become permanent residents of the US.

6. LEGAL ALIENS Resident Aliens (immigrants)
Nonresident Aliens (foreign visitors)
Illegal aliens – 12 million – some have never applied.
Can be deported – Sent back to home country

7. RIGHTS OF LEGAL ALIENS Hold jobs Attend school Own property
Receive government services (pay taxes)
Legal protection

8. RIGHTS ALIENS DON’T HAVE
Vote
Run for office
Serve on juries
Work in most government jobs

9. THINGS ALIENS MUST DO
Obey the law
Pay taxes
Carry identification

10. ILLEGAL ALIENS
How many?12 million
Problems?
Deportation

11. BECOMING A U.S. CITIZEN Why does the U.S. set numerical limits?
Who gets top priority or consideration?
1. Those with skills and talents
2. Those with $ to invest in U.S. economy
(Immigration Act of 1990)

12. NATURALIZATION PROCESS
Declaration of intention
Wait five years and study U.S. culture
File an application with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)
Take a citizenship exam
Take an oath of allegiance

13. LOSING U.S. CITIZENSHIP
Denaturalization – The loss of citizenship through fraud.
IE Nazis
Expatriation – Giving up citizenship by leaving one’s home country to live in another.
Voluntary or involuntary
Punishment for serious crime against the U.S. (treason)