Civics Chapter 13 Vocabulary Part 1

Citizen

A legal member of a country who has certain rights and responsibilities

Citizenship

The status of being a legal member of a country

U.S. Citizen

A person who is legally recognized as a citizen of the United States and has the rights and responsibilities of citizenship

14th Amendment

The amendment that establishes citizenship for people born or naturalized in the United States and guarantees equal protection under the law

Constitutional means

A way of doing something that follows the U.S. Constitution

Law of Blood (citizenship of parents)

The idea that a person can become a citizen because one or both of their parents are citizens

Law of Soil (place of birth)

The idea that a person becomes a citizen because they are born in a particular country

Naturalized Citizen

A person who was not a citizen at birth but becomes a U.S. citizen through the naturalization process

Naturalization Process

The legal process through which an eligible immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen

Oath of Allegiance

A formal promise made by new citizens to be loyal to the United States and support its Constitution and laws

Impact of the Naturalization Process

The effects of becoming a U.S. citizen, including gaining rights and responsibilities such as voting and serving on a jury

Alien

A person who is not a U.S. citizen or national

Resident Alien

A non-U.S. citizen who legally lives in the United States

Nonresident Alien

A non-U.S. citizen who does not qualify as a U.S. resident for immigration or tax purposes

Immigrant

A person who moves to another country intending to live there permanently

Documented

Having the required legal immigration documents or authorization

Undocumented

A person who does not have the legal immigration status or documents required to be in the country

Nonimmigrant

A person who is allowed to enter the United States temporarily for a specific purpose, such as studying or visiting

Lawful Permanent Resident (“green card holder”)

A person who is legally allowed to permanently live and work in the United States but is not a U.S. citizen

Obligations (duties) of U.S. citizenship

Responsibilities that citizens are expected to fulfill as members of the United States

Obey the Law

To follow the laws and rules of the United States