1 02 Lesson Cliff Notes

Module 1
Lesson 1.02
What is Citizenship?
Lesson 1.02 Objectives

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:
evaluate the constitutional provisions establishing citizenship
examine the criteria for citizenship for citizens by birth, naturalized citizens, and
non-citizens

01.02 What is Citizenship?
Who is a U.S. Citizen?
The 14
th
Amendment to the Constitution defines a US citizen as one born or naturalized in the United States.
Jus Soli (law of the soil): A person born in the US states or territories.
Jus Sanguinis (law of the blood): A person born to at least one parent who is a US citizen and has lived in the US.
People who immigrate to the United States often intend to become U.S. citizens through naturalization.

How Does the Government Categorize Non-Citizens?
People living legally in the United States who are not U.S. citizens could have
Visa: special permission in a passport to travel to a specific country for a specific period of time or permanent resident.
There are 2 types of Visas:
1. non-immigrant visas and immigrant visas. People that wish to visit, go to school, or work temporarily in the United States would apply for a non-
immigrant visa. This type of visa has a time limit.
2. Immigrant visas are for those who wish to live permanently in the United States with no time limit. A person could apply for the immigrant visa and
permanent resident status at the same time.
Permanent resident (Green Card): a legal status and permission for an immigrant to live and work in the United States for an unlimited time status. They
must carry proof of their status at all times and pay income tax. A person can apply for naturalization after being a permanent resident for a certain length of
time, usually five years.
A U.S. national is a person under the legal protection of the United States but without citizenship. This applies to those born in certain U.S. territories like
American Samoa and Swains Island. U.S. nationals can live and work in the United States but, at present, may not vote in state or federal elections: They still have
to go through the full naturalization process if they wish to become U.S. citizens.
Federal laws now grant full citizenship to people born in the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam.


What Are the Requirements of Naturalization?
The basic requirements to obtain naturalization are the following:
1. be at least 18 years old
2. be a legal, permanent U.S. resident for at least five years (or three years if married to someone who has been a U.S. citizen for at least three years)
3. have good moral character (no serious criminal record in the United States or home country)
4. can read, write, and speak basic English, proven through a written exam
5. can answer questions about U.S. government and history
6. willing to swear the Oath of Allegiance
Is Naturalization Worth the Effort?
The benefits of legal citizenship include:
voting
eligibility for government jobs and elected positions
greater eligibility for public benefits such as health care assistance
priority in obtaining permission to bring family members to the United States and establish their children as U.S. citizens
may travel with a U.S. passport
have protection from deportation
What Is the Controversy Over Immigration?
The topic of illegal immigration generates controversy and debate. Government immigration laws and enforcement of them are controversial. An estimated 11.2
million illegal immigrants were in the United States as of early 2011, about four percent of the total population. Most are from Mexico, many of whom took a great
risk to cross the border and find work.
Americans debate how the government should treat illegal immigrants
FOR: This is a human rights issues, such as poverty in Mexico and elsewhere. There are tremendous effects on children or others brought to the United States
unaware or against their own will.
AGAINST: illegal immigrants could be criminals or illegally seeking benefits reserved for U.S. citizens subverting the legal naturalization process.
Some naturalized or legal residents of the United States worry that such attention puts their own livelihoods at risk. Some feel angry that others are trying to
subvert the legal process, while they went through the time and expense of legal residence and naturalization. A 2007 poll revealed that over half of all Hispanics
in the United States worried that they themselves, a family member, or a close friend could be deported, regardless of their own legal status.
Deportation of illegal immigrants is costly and difficult. Border Patrol agents and segments of high metal fencing in certain areas try to prevent illegal U.S.-Mexico
border crossings.
There exists a great backlog of cases in immigration courts, leading to long delays in permission for residency or citizenship.
The majority of immigration cases exist in the states of: California, Texas, Florida, Illinois, and New York.

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Module 1

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