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Who are US Citizens?How does one become a
citizen?
1
Early Americans• Where do archeologists
(scientists who study the remains of past cultures) believe the first Americans originally came from?
• Who settled and made up the original thirteen colonies?
• ancestors of modern-day American Indians • Vikings came A.D. 1000, but did not establish
permanent settlements• 1492, Columbus, Spanish establish permanent
settlements • Mostly people from the British Isles• Other colonists included
– Germans in PA– Dutch along the Hudson River– Swedes along the Delaware River– French in NY, MA and SC– Africans came as slaves
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• America began as a land of immigrants (people from other lands) and has been settled and populated by people from all over the world.
U.S. Immigration Policy • Why?
• Quota
• Refugees
• Why today?
• U.S. provides economic opportunities • Agricultural workers and factory laborers needed as
country grew• Few limitations on immigration during first part of 1800s
• Set number of how many immigrants could come from a particular country or region ; 1880-1920 limits began
• Today immigration policy is guided by the Immigration Act of 1990 – Set at 675,000 immigrants a year with preference given
to spouses and children of US citizens and resident aliens (aliens-citizens of another country)
• People fleeing persecution in their home country– Not part of the quota or annual limit– President and Congress work together to set a number
• Recent immigrants from Asia and Latin American countries– escape war, political conflict or join family in U.S.
3
• Policy changes as the needs of the U.S. change. Immigration patterns change over time as circumstances in other countries change.
Citizenship by Birth • How do
Americans gain citizenship?
• What about children born here whose parents are not citizens?
• Children born here whose parents are officials representing a foreign country?
• Who decides??
• Native-born (by birth or parents) – born in any U.S. state or territory or one or both
parents a U.S. citizen if born abroad jus sanguine -Latin –right of blood
• Naturalization (The legal process of acquiring citizenship for someone who has not acquired it by birth)
• In most cases, they are citizens • jus solis- Latin- by land
• Not usually as their parents are under the authority of another country
• INS- Immigration and Naturalization Services, an agency of the U.S. Dept. of Justice
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• Many routes to become a citizen.
Aliens in the United States • Who are Aliens?
• What rights and responsibilities do aliens have?
• Citizens of a foreign country – Most here on visit– Some work and live here or attend
school, but expect someday to return to their homeland
– In 2000, 18.7 m, foreign-born U.S. residents who are not citizens
• Must obey laws of country or can be deported (forced to leave the country)
• Enjoy many benefits of U.S. citizenship but cannot vote, hold public office
• State laws prohibit aliens from holding certain types of jobs, such as teaching in public schools
• Aliens must register with INS and provide a current address
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• 1 out of every 15 Americans are aliens. Many Americans have been aliens at some time in their history. INS keeps track of immigrants and requirements.
Illegal Immigration • Who are
undocumented residents?
• Recent solutions to illegal immigration?
• Did it work?
• More recent strategies?
• Aliens who live in the country illegally • No one has an accurate number, but INS
estimates about 7 million
• 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act passed• Meant to legalize the status of undocumented
workers and reduce illegal immigration.
• Illegal immigration remains high – Thought that ½ of undocumented workers come
from Mexico for work and more prosperous life
• Arizona legislation • Florida legislation
6
Citizenship by Naturalization?• Requireme
nts
• 5 Steps in the process
• At least eighteen years old• Permanent legal resident for at least five years
(special circumstances apply, spouses)• Physically present for at least half the time• Are of good moral character / support themselves • Show commitment to the principles of the
Constitution• Read, write and speak adequate English• Demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and
government• Take oath of allegiance• Restrictions apply
1. Declaration of intent2. Application, called petition for naturalization3. Interview 4. Background check and approval 5. Oath of Allegiance, certificate of naturalization
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• It is not easy to become a citizen. After establishing residence, immigrants still need to have knowledge and pride in America . They must meet requirements, pass a test and swear an Oath.
In what ways do citizens participate in their communities?
• Activism• Volunteerism• Voting• Selective Service• Jury duty• Tax paying• Why Americans need to
be engaged in civic affairs
Summary of Citizenship
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• Create your own PowerPoint and upload it to the wiki. Please make sure that it includes the following:– Describe why you enjoy
being an American citizen.
– Provide pictures, graphics, etc. to “enliven” the presentation.
– Provide scripture that supports and describes what it means for us “to be citizens of Heaven.”