AP Immigration

Immigration and Citizenship

Key Points:

  1. Historical Context

    • America as a destination for immigrants seeking freedom and opportunity.

    • Post-Civil War immigration wave (1865-1914) with over 35 million arrivals.

    • 1880s: Southeastern Europe immigration wave, welcomed by the Statue of Liberty.

  2. Statue of Liberty

    • "Liberty Enlightening the World" (1886)

    • 305-foot tall monument, gift from France, unveiled in 1886.

    • Represents French-American alliance; symbolizes liberty and democracy.

    • Quotes by John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin emphasize liberty.

    • "The New Colossus" by Emma Lazarus:

      • Changes statue's meaning to a welcoming symbol for immigrants.

      • Welcomes "tired, poor, huddled masses yearning to breathe free."

  3. Immigration Overview

    • Definitions:

      • Immigrant: person entering another country to live.

      • Emigrant: person leaving their country to settle elsewhere.

    • From 1820-1999: ~65 million immigrants to the U.S.

    • Immigration trends reflect historical changes:

      • 1880s: Influx of southern and eastern Europeans.

      • 1965: Repeal of national origin quotas increased Asian and Latin American immigration.

  4. Immigration Restrictions (1882-1924)

    • 1891: Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) established.

    • Chinese Exclusion Act (1882): Restricted Chinese immigration; no citizenship.

    • Legislative acts from 1885-1924 limited immigration from southern and eastern Europe.

  5. Becoming a U.S. Citizen

    • Naturalization Requirements:

      • Five-year residency.

      • Good moral character.

      • Knowledge of U.S. history and government.

      • Oath of Allegiance: renouncing allegiance to other nations.

  6. Citizenship: Responsibilities and Rights

    • Responsibilities:

      • Learn U.S. history; uphold the Constitution.

      • Obey laws; participate in politics.

    • Rights:

      • Equal protection under law.

      • Life, liberty, property rights.

      • Right to vote; serve on juries.

  7. What Does It Mean to Be an American?

    • Citizenship embodies liberty and justice in the Declaration of Independence.

    • Expanded rights through:

      • 13th, 14th, 15th Amendments for African-Americans.

      • 19th Amendment for women.

      • 1924 Indian Citizenship Act for Native Americans.

      • 24th and 26th Amendments ensure voting rights regardless of financial status and age.