Citizenship Notes

Citizenship Reminder

  • Handwritten notes are required; notebook checks will be graded.
  • Notes will be taken together today and tomorrow.
  • Independent note-taking begins next week (explained then).
  • Only highlighted content needs to be copied.

American Population

  • Late 1700s: Less than 4 million people
    • Mostly rural.
    • Farmers.
    • East Coast.
    • 13 colonies.
  • Today: Nearly 300 million.
  • Growth factors:
    1. Immigration: Leaving home country for permanent relocation.
    2. Birthrate: Initially high due to farm labor needs; currently, births exceed deaths.

Citizenship

  • Definition: A person with specific rights and duties under a government.
  • Two ways to become a citizen:
    1. Born a citizen:
    • Born on US soil.
    • Parent is a US citizen.
    • Exception: Children of diplomats.
    1. Through naturalization.

Automatic Citizenship by Birth

  • Born anywhere within the United States.
  • Born to American citizen parents anywhere in the world.
  • Possible to have dual citizenship at birth if born in a foreign country to US citizens.

Naturalization

  • Definition: Earning citizenship over time by foreign nationals.
  • Requirements:
    1. File a "declaration of intent" form:
    • Statement: "I want to become a US citizen."
    1. Live in the U.S. for 5 years.
    2. Be 18 years old.
    3. Pass a naturalization test:
    • Includes English, US History, and Civics.
    • Classes available for test preparation.
    1. Take the citizenship oath.
    • Upon completion, receive a "Certificate of Naturalization."

Legal Immigrants

  • Definition: Individuals with written permission to be in the USA.
  • Immigrant: A person who permanently moves to another country.
  • Visa / Green Card: Formal permission for a non-citizen.
    • They cannot vote or hold public office (no political rights).
    • They have the same legal rights as citizens.

Illegal Immigrants

  • Definition: Individuals without legal permission to be in the USA.
    • Cannot do anything legally in the U.S.
    • Cannot vote, hold office, or work.
    • Can be deported if found.
    • Reasons for coming to the U.S. illegally:
    • Escape from harsh rule.
    • Poverty.
    • Religious persecution.

Immigration Quota & Preferences

  • The U.S. has a quota system for residency.
  • Immigration Act of 1990 preferences:
    • People from countries with fewer U.S. immigrants.
    • People with family members in the U.S.
    • People with jobs in the U.S.
  • U.S. Cultural Metaphors:
    • Melting Pot: Diverse cultures existing together.
    • Salad Bowl: Many people retain their original culture instead of assimilating.