The Path to Citizenship

Chapter 1-2Pgs. 14-17

Key TermsO Naturalization – a legal process in

which foreigners become citizens.O Alien – a noncitizenO Immigrant – a person who moves

permanently to a new countryO Deport – to expel from the country

Illegal AliensO Illegal aliens come to the U.S.

O Come as temporary visitors but never leave.

O Illegally cross the U.S. borders with Mexico and Canada.

O Foreigners who have stayed in the U.S. after their legal permits have expired.

ProblemsO It is illegal to hire an illegal alien, so

illegal aliens who find work receive little pay and no benefits.

O They live in fear that the government will find them and deport them.

Becoming a CitizenO You can become a citizen of the

United States two ways:O By birthO Naturalization process

By BirthO People born in the US or in any US

territory or military base are automatically citizens.

O People who are born elsewhere to American citizens or to one parent who is American.O These children can have dual citizenship.

O Children who are born on American soil to parents who are not citizens.O Does not apply to foreign diplomats

Naturalization ProcessO Step 1 – An immigrant signs a Declaration

of IntentionO Step 2 – The declaration is filed with the

USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services)

O Step 3 – After living in the US a specified number of years (5 or 3 if you are married to a US citizen), the immigrant files an application for citizenship

O Step 4 – The USCIS interviews the applicantO Step 5 – The applicant passes a citizenship

examO Step 6 – The applicant pledges an oath of

allegiance.

Priority to EnterO Millions of people apply for entry into

the U.S. a year.O Priority goes to the following:

O People who are relatives of U.S. citizens

O Those who have needed job skills or money to invest in the economy

Take QuizO http://www.history.com/interactives/

citizenship-quiz