Becoming a U.S. Citizen

Wed., Oct. 2, 2013Ms. Kirk

Name Period Civics: 6th Grade S.S.  

BECOMING A U.S. CITIZEN

Who is a U.S. Citizenship?1. Someone born in the U.S. or to American

parents living abroad.

1. Someone who goes through naturalization process

2. Naturalization is the official act by people from foreign countries become U.S. citizens. There are 3 parts: A) Application FormB) Citizenship Test C) Going to Court

Residents of the U.S. can be aliens, nationals, or citizens

• ALIENS: Aliens are people who have emigrated from a foreign country. They have some of the same freedoms and legal rights as U.S. citizens, but they can’t vote.

• NATIONALS: American nationals are natives of American territorial possessions. They have all the legal protections which citizens have, but they do not have the full political rights of U.S. citizen.

• CITIZENS: Persons born in the U.S. or born to U.S. citizens abroad are U.S. citizens, and can enjoy the freedoms, protections, and legal rights in the U.S. Constitution.

Requirements of becomING a naturalized U.S. Citizen. You must…•Be at least 18 years old.

•Have lived in the U.S. as a legal resident

for at least 5 years.

•Be of good moral character and loyal to the U.S.

•Be able to read, write, speak and understand basic English.

•Have basic knowledge and understanding of the history,

government structure and the Constitution of the U.S.

•Be willing to take an oath of allegiance and renounce your loyalty

to your native country.

Duties & Responsibilities of U.S. Citizenship Voting

Serving on a jury

Paying taxes

Obeying laws

Doing military service

Rights of U.S. CitizenshipFrom the Bill of Rights

Freedom of ReligionFreedom of AssemblyTo Keep and Bear ArmsFreedom of SpeechFreedom of the PressProtection of those Accused of Crimes

Benefits of U.S. Citizenship Run for public office

Apply for federal government jobs

File to legally bring family members to live in the U.S.

Social Security benefits

Voting

Traveling to foreign countries may be easier