Citizenship
Dec 29, 2015
Rights of CitizensResponsibilities of
Citizens
Freedom of speech, religion, bare arms, etc.
Right to own property
Freedom from discrimination
Equality under the law
Right to vote
Jury dutyPay taxesObey lawsRegister for
selective serviceRegister to voteTolerate othersBe educated!!
Rights vs. Responsibilities
14th Amendment
Defined citizenship in the United States “All persons born or naturalized in the United States,
and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States.”
Guaranteed that people of ALL races born in the U.S. and subject to its government are citizens
#1: Citizenship by the “Law of the Land”
AKA jus soli Citizenship is granted to nearly all people
born in the United States or United States territories
Most common form of citizenshipChildren born to immigrant parents or to
foreigners just “visiting” the United States WOULD BE citizens
Some Exceptions1) If a foreign diplomat had a child in the United States,
their child WOULD NOT be a citizen
#2: Citizenship by Birth to an American Parent
AKA jus sanguinis– “law of the blood”Sometimes complicatedIf a child was born in a foreign nation and
BOTH parents are United States citizens, the child is a citizen ONLY IF One of the parents must have been a legal resident of
the United States at some point in their livesIF only ONE parent is an American citizen,
that parent must have lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years (2 of those years had to be after the age of 14).
#3: Naturalization
The process that allows immigrants to become American citizens
Qualifications 1) Applicants must have entered the U.S. legally by
obtaining a VISA 2) Must be of good moral character 3) Ability to read, write and speak English 4) Must declare their support of the principles of the
American government 5) Must show the basic knowledge of American
History & Government
#3: Naturalization
To apply for citizenship, you must…..
Be 18 years oldLived in the United States lawfully for at least
5 years
*If married to a U.S. citizen, only 3 years residency is required*
#3: Naturalization
Steps to Naturalization1) Declaration of Intent
2) Petition for citizenship3) Investigation
4) Oath of Allegiance
Investigation
Fingerprinted, asked questions about their moral character, question witnesses about applicant, interviewed.
English & Civics test
Oath of Allegiance
A judge of the federal district court gives the oath of allegiance to the applicant
Dual Citizenship
A person is a citizen of two countries at the same time Example: Two U.S. citizens have a child in a foreign
country. The child would be a U.S. citizen as BOTH parents are U.S. citizens and also a citizen by birth in the country they were born in.
Losing Citizenship
Only the federal government can both grant and take away citizenship
3 ways to lose citizenship Expatriation: giving up one’s citizenship by leaving
one’s native country to live in a foreign country A person who becomes a naturalized citizen in another
country automatically loses their U.S. citizenship
Losing Citizenship
Punishment for a crime When convicted of certain federal crimes such as
treason, rebellion & attempts to overthrow the government through violent means
Losing Citizenship
Denaturalization Loss of citizenship if fraud or deception is detected
during the naturalization process
Immigrants/Aliens
AKA “aliens” A person who lives in one country where he or she is
not a citizen Not all immigrants intend to become citizens (work,
school, etc. only)
Alien Classifications
Resident alien: person from a foreign nation who has established a permanent residence in the U.S. Can stay in the U.S. as long as they wish without
becoming a citizenNon-Resident Alien: person from a foreign
country who expects to stay in the United States for a short period of time (media reporter)