LESSON 2: BECOMING A UNITED STATES CITIZEN

Citizenship

The Question of Citizenship

The Constitution did not define its phrases, “citizens of the United States”, or “citizens of the states.”

It was not until the Civil War and the adoption of the 13th amendment did the need for a constitutional definition occur

1868 the 14th Amendment was addedDeclared that a person can become an

American citizen either by birth or naturalization

Citizenship By Birth

Someone born in the U.S. or in one of its territories (ex: Puerto Rico) becomes a U.S. citizen when they are born

Someone born to American parents in a foreign country becomes a U.S. citizen

A child born to foreign parents in the U.S. also becomes a U.S. citizen (parents must be living in the U.S. at the time)

Jus Soli (law of the soil)

Jus Soli (law of the soil)

Jus Sanguinis(law of the blood)

Jus Sanguinis(law of the blood)

A child becomes a citizen if they are born in the U.S., U.S. territories, any U.S. embassy, or aboard a U.S. public vessel anywhere in in the world

A child born abroad can become a citizen.

One parent must be a citizen who has lived in the U.S. at some time

Both parents are citizens who have lived in the U.S. for some time

Acquiring Citizenship by Birth

Citizenship through Naturalization

Congress allows people to become citizens of the U.S.

They must be:At least 18 years oldEntered legally, lived in the U.S. for at least 5 yearsApply for NaturalizationBe able to speak, read and write EnglishBe of “good moral character”Pass a citizenship testTake an Oath of Allegiance to the U.S.

Can you lose your citizenship?

Yes, you canIf you are dishonest when you become a

naturalized citizen, the court can take away your citizenship (called expatriation)

The process is called “denaturalization”It can only occur through a court order and

after it has been proven that the person became a citizen by fraud or deception

A person can never gain or lose citizenship by marriage