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Chapter 1 We The People

Chapter 1 We The People. Section 2 Who Are U.S. Citizens? pp. 8-13. Reading Focus. Many groups of people have moved to the US to add to American society. Most Americans today are primarily immigrants (people who came here from other lands) or descendents of immigrants.

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Chapter 1 We The People

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  1. Chapter 1We The People Section 2 Who Are U.S. Citizens? pp. 8-13

  2. Reading Focus Many groups of people have moved to the US to add to American society. Most Americans today are primarily immigrants (people who came here from other lands) or descendents of immigrants. People of different cultures combined their ways of life and produced a multicultural heritage. What is your national origin?

  3. Early Americans First Americans came from Siberia over a land bridge (40,000 – 12,000 years ago). They moved south and became modern American Indians. Vikings came to N. America in 1000 but did not settle. Columbus came in 1492 for the Spanish and built settlements 13 Colonies were settled by mainly those from the British Isles. Many others followed from around the world.

  4. U.S. Immigration Policy The US provided economic opportunity from many people (Agricultural and Factory workers) At first there were few limits on immigration in the early 1800s. By the late 1880s, the US limited immigration (wanted workers who would work for lower wages). In the 1920s, the US limited the total number of immigrants coming into the US and created quotas (set numbers for how many immigrants could come from a particular country or region)

  5. Immigration Law • The Immigration Act of 1990, set the limits on immigrants to 675,000 per year after 1995. • Preference is given to . . . • Spouses and children of US citizens • Spouses and children of permanent resident aliens (people in the US who are citizens of another country). • People who have valuable job skills • Refugees (people who are fleeing persecution in their home countries). Others also leave to flee hostile situations, join family members or to expand their economic opportunties.

  6. Citizenship By Birth • All citizens of the US share the same legal rights. Americans gain their citizenship by birth or by a special legal process. • Citizen by birth . . . • If you are born in any US state or territory, you are a native-born citizen. • If one or both of your parents were US citizens, you become a citizen by birth. • Birth in the US, outside the US, even if neither parent is a US citizen and you are born in the US • All questions about citizen are handled by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)

  7. Aliens in the US Aliens are people in the US who are citizens of a foreign nation. Here on visits, others live and work here or attend school here. Some expect to go back to their homelands, others hope to stay in the US. Aliens must obey laws or face deportation. They enjoy benefits but cannot vote, hold public office or work in certain professions.

  8. Illegal Immigration Aliens who live in a country illegally (undocumented residents). 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act help legalize many undocumented residents Illegal Immigration still remains high. About half come from Mexico (border country) Most illegal immigrants come to the US to find work and become prosperous. Usually physical jobs for low wages with bad conditions. Causes much debate today (taking jobs?)

  9. Naturalization • The legal process by which an alien (resident of another country) may become a US citizen. • Must enter the US legally • Must prove they have been residents for at least five years (3 years if married to a citizen) • Must be 18 years of age to apply for citizenship • Must prove they can support themselves (read, write and speak English • Must be free from certain diseases and mental illnesses and cannot be drug addicts or criminals • Have the option to apply for a declaration of intention (plan to apply for citizenship)

  10. Naturalization Process continued… • Second step, must fill out an application called a petition for naturalization. Will get a date to appear before a naturalization official for an interview • Must show that they are a person of good moral character who believes in the principals of the US Constitution, can read, write, and speak English, and has some background of US history and government (naturalization test) http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.d72b75bdf98917853423754f526e0aa0/?vgnextoid=afd6618bfe12f210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=afd6618bfe12f210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

  11. Naturalization • Must go through a background check, final ceremony where they take an oath of allegiance to the US and are granted a certificate of naturalization. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1wdJnHN0f4&feature=related • Children under 18 automatically become citizens of naturalized parents. Enjoy the same rights of a US citizen except cannot become President of Vice President of the US

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