Civics Ch. 1, Sec. 2 Pp

Who Are American Citizens?

Path to Citizenship • Two ways to become a U.S. citizen: by birth or by naturalization

Naturalization Ceremony

Citizenship by Birth • You are a citizen if you were born on U.S. soil • United States soil is: the 50 states, D.C., U.S. territory, U.S. military bases • You are a citizen if one or both of your parents are U.S. citizens

One of the most important rights of citizenship

Citizenship by Naturalization • Noncitizens are referred to as aliens • Aliens immigrate for a variety of reasons • Aliens must declare that they are aliens and intend to become citizens • Wait five years to apply for citizenship • Have an interview and an exam • Take an oath of allegiance

Ellis Island

Citizenship: A Lifelong Privledge • Only the federal (national) government may grant or take away citizenship • Three ways to lose citizenship • Denaturalization: the loss of citizenship through fraud or deception. • Expatriation: giving up citizenship by leaving and living in another country. • Punishment for a crime: through such federal crimes such as treason, rebellion, or attempts to overthrow of the government through violent means.

Aliens in America • Illegal Aliens: immigrants in the U.S. without government permission. • There are approximately 12 million illegal aliens in the U.S. today • Normally in U.S. for work • U.S. officials may deport illegal aliens at any time • U.S. Border Patrol watches Canadian and Mexican borders

-Not space aliens, like this dude.

Legal Aliens • Resident Alien: has established a permanent home in the U.S. • Nonresident Alien: intends to only stay in U.S. for a short period of time. • Refugees: fleeing persecution. • Legal aliens have many of the same rights as citizens: hold jobs, own property, go to school, receive government services, pay taxes. • Legal aliens may not vote, run for office, serve on juries, or hold most government jobs. They also must carry identification cards at all times.

Border Patrol Agent