The Path to Citizenship

CE 3a

Warm Up Discussion

• What is a Citizen?• Is it different than a resident or

alien?

Mr. B!! What do we need to know?

• You will need to answer these questions:

1. If you are a citizen of the United States you are also a citizen of the _________ in which you reside

2. What are the 2 pathways to citizenship?3. Immigration had had what impact on the

United States?4. What is the final step in becoming an

American Citizen?

Key Terms

Citizens- Are individuals that have certain

rights and loyalty to the government and are entitled to protection from it.

Government- Is the ruling authority for a

community.

14th AmendmentDear Mr. B,

I live in Virginia and in the United states. Am I a citizen of both places?

-Sleepless in Fauquier

Answer: The 14th Amendment says you are! It also says I need a permit for these guns!

Brain Teaser~

What are the two ways in which a person can become an American Citizen?

Citizenship by Birth

~Must be born in the 50 states or D.C.

~Can be born in an American territory such as Guam or Puerto Rico

Ask Chuck Norris….

Dear Chuck-

If your parents are not American citizens, but you are born in California, would you be considered an American citizen?

Analyze this Situation

Your mother and father are taking a vacation in Ireland over the holidays. Unexpectedly, your mother goes into labor one month early and you are born in the country of Ireland… Can you still become an American citizen?

The Naturalization Process• Aliens- People who live in the United States,

but are not American citizens• Immigrants- People who move permanently to a

new country

Why do Aliens come to America?

• Education• Work• Visiting relatives• Most return home,

but many remain on American soil

Discussion• What impact has Immigration had on

the United States?– Increasingly diverse society!

Activity

• Sample questions of the Citizenship Exam

• Passing score is over 90%

The Naturalization Process

Step 1- Sign statement saying that they want to become an American citizen. This is filed by with the (INS)

INS- Immigration and Naturalization Service, a department of the Federal Government

The Naturalization Process

Step 2- Most aliens must live in the United States for at least five years. If an alien is married to a citizen they only have to wait three years.

The Naturalization Process

Step 3- If you have reached the age of 18 years old, and have lived in the state where you seek naturalization for at least three months you may file for citizenship.

The Naturalization Process

Step 4- All of your paperwork is checked, and you are interviewed by the INS.

You are also given a citizenship exam that consists of questions relating to reading, writing, and speaking English. You must also demonstrate your knowledge with American history.

The Naturalization Process

The Final Step- If the INS approves you and you pass your exam, you must attend a ceremony pledging your oath of allegiance.

Dear Mr. B-

Ok, so we learned about how one obtains their citizenship, but what about losing your citizenship… Is there any way someone can lose their citizenship?

Sincerely,

Angry Lil’ Kid

Losing Your Citizenship?

• Only the federal government can grant and take away someone’s citizenship

• Some people lost their citizenship if it was improperly obtained

• Most people lose their citizenship by voluntarily giving it up

• There is no going back on voluntarily giving away your citizenship

Summarization: Choose one of the following Activities

• Comic Strip illustrating and explaining the Naturalization process– 5 or 6 small drawings with captions

• Letter to a Friend– Write a short letter to a “friend” that missed class– Be sure to capture all the important information about

citizenship

• Journal– Write a short journal entry from the perspective of an

Immigrant going through the Naturalization Process– Be sure to describe some of the steps

Assessment

• Answer these questions:1. If you are a citizen of the United States you are also a

citizen of the _________ in which you reside2. What are the 2 pathways to citizenship?3. Immigration has had what impact on the United

States?4. What is the final step in becoming an American

Citizen?