Citizenship

Who• A person who by birth or by choice

owes allegiance to the United States

How• You were born in the U.S.• Parent was a citizen of U.S. when you

were born• Naturalized• You were under 18 when Parent was

naturalized

Aliens• People who live in one country but

are citizens of another one

USCIS

• The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services…– is the government agency that oversees lawful

immigration to the United States.– strengthen the security and integrity of the

immigration system.– support immigrants’ integration and participation

in American civic culture.

Aliens in America

• The US limits the number of aliens that can enter the country, about 1,000,000 admitted yearly

• There are more than 12 million aliens living in the US today

• Two types of aliens– Legal– Illegal

Illegal Aliens

• Come to our country in many ways– Temporary visitors who never leave– Illegally cross borders– Foreigners who have stayed in US after legal

permit have expired• If they are caught they can be deported to

their home country• US Border Patrol is the law enforcement unit

of the USCIS

Legal Aliens

• Resident alien – person from a foreign country who has established a permanent address

• Nonresident alien – expects to stay in the US for a short, specified period of time

• Aliens lead lives much like those of American citizens

• Aliens do not have full political rights– Cannot vote, serve on juries, or work in government

jobs– Must carry identification at all times

Naturalization• Must Learn English• Must Study history of the U.S.• Must Learn values, laws, rights, &

duties of a citizen

The Naturalization Process

• Aliens must first declare their intent to become US citizens– Declaration of Intent filed with USCIS

• Must live in US for 5 yrs (3 if married to US citizen)• Interview with USCIS official– Must have all requirements and be in good moral

standing• Must take a citizenship test• After all steps are completed the USCIS makes its

decision

Lose Citizenship• You can give up your citizenship • Taken away for trying to overthrow

the government

Citizenship

• Only the government can both grant citizenship and take it away– Can strip naturalized citizens of citizenship if improperly

obtained• Citizens can lose citizenship in three ways:– Denaturalization – loss of citizenship due to fraud during the

naturalization process– Expatriatation- giving up citizenship to live in a foreign country– Punishment for a crime- may lose citizenship if convicted of

certain crimes (treason, rebellion, or try to overthrow the government)

Job of the Citizen

Office of Citizen

• Rights (guaranteed by the Constitution but optional)

• Duties (must follow, back by law and penalties if you do not)

• Responsibilities (filled by choice, a voluntary decision)

Rights• Vote & hold elected office• Say what you think in speech or

writing• Practice your own religion• Fair Trial• To be protected by your government

when travelling in other countries

Duties• Obey the laws• Defend the nation• Serving on a jury or as a witness• Pay taxes• Attend School

Responsibilities of a Citizen

• Contribute to the Common Good by acting in ways that protect the rights and freedoms of other Americans.

• Hold Public Office • Help a political ‘candidate’ run for public office• Influence Government (attend school board and

local government meetings or write letters to public officials, etc

• Serve the Community