Transcript Citizenship
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