CIVICS 2012MERRITT BROWN MIDDLE SCHOOL

K. STAFFORD

Citizenship and America

Immigration

Immigrants- People who move permanently to a new country

At first the North American continent was settled by hunter-gathers as they migrated from Asia across the land bridge.

Around the 1500’s modern ‘migration’ to the Americas began.

Between 1830 and 1930 Americas population went from 12 million to 120 million people.

Interactive Migration Map

Immigration and Diversity

Ethnic Groups- share a common national and cultural background. The United States is made up of numerous different

ethnic groups.

Diversity

The United States has been an immigrant destination for centuries and the diverse American culture reflects that. However there are common values that all Americans share.

Values- The general principles or beliefs people use to make judgments and decisions

American values include freedom, equality, justice and democracy

Institutions

Institutions- Key practices, relationships and organizations in a society

There are two types of institutions in civics… Social and Government

Popular Sovereignty- the idea that the government receives its power from the people

Citizenship

Citizen- Community member who owes loyalty to the government and is entitled to its protection

Civics- the study of the duties and rights of citizens

Citizenship- rights and duties of a citizen

Government- the ruling authority for a community

Citizenship Continued

The ideals of citizenship have been evolving since the times of ancient Greece and Rome

Modern citizenship’s roots can be found in the Enlightenment around the 1700s1. Citizens belong to Nations2. Power of the government comes from the people

governed

Citizenship in America

First citizenship was limited to white males1868 14th Amendment is passed granting full

citizenship to those ‘born or naturalized’ in the United States

1920 the 19th Amendment is passes granting women the right to vote

1924 Congress passes the Indian Citizenship Act granting citizenship to all Native Americans

Natural-Born Citizens

Born in any of the states of the District of ColumbiaBorn in an American territory- Puerto Rico or an

overseas military baseChildren born on American soil but to foreign

parentsIf a child is born to parents of American citizenship

then the child can claim American CitizenshipIf one of the parents is an American Citizen and has

lived in the United States. Dual Citizenship

Naturalized Citizens

Naturalization- the legal process to obtain citizenship

Must be 18 or olderMust have lawful permanent residence for 5

yearsMust be able to read, write and speak EnglishMust be of good moral characterMust show an understanding of U.S. civicsMust apply for citizenship, Take test,

Ceremony and oath

Losing Citizenship

Three ways to lose citizenship1. Expatriation- someone who gives their

allegiance to a foreign country2. Denaturalization- Naturalized citizens who

have lied during their naturalization process. They can be deported.

3. Being convicted of certain crimes- Treason, taking part in a rebellion, trying to overthrow the government with violence

Legal Aliens

Aliens- foreign born residents who have not been naturalized

Resident Aliens- a legal immigrant who permanently lives in the U.S.

Nonresident Aliens- someone who expects to stay in the U.S. for a short, specific time

Legal aliens work, attend school, and pay taxes

They can not vote, run for public office, serve on a jury and they must carry an identification card at all times.

Refugees

Refugee- a person fleeing their country to escape danger

Natural DisasterPolitical Refugees- Government promises to

protect political refugees

Illegal Aliens

The U.S. currently allows about 1 million immigrants a year to enter the country.

Relatives of U.S. citizens receive highest priority and immigrants with job skills

It is also estimated that about 1 million enter/remain in the U.S. each year

If discovered an illegal alien can be deported back to their country at any time.

Tuesday August 28 2012

“The bosom of America is open to receive not only the Opulent and respectable Stranger, but the oppressed and persecuted of all Nations And Religions; whom we shall wellcome to a participation of all our rights and previleges, if by decency and propriety of conduct they appear to merit the enjoyment.”

- GEORGE WASHINGTON, letter, Dec. 2, 1783

1. Read Quote2. Write a paragraph (5-7 sentences)

answering the following questions.1. What was Washington’s views of immigration?2. Do these views still apply today?3. Why? Or Why not?

1. Label Each side of the Triangle 1. Responsibilities2. Involvement3. Duties

2. The three Small Triangles are where the corners overlap

3. The middle Triangle is where all three ideas overlap

4. Take 20 notes total. Five for each side and 5 for overlapping

5. Draw small pictures/doodles around the triangle to decorate it. The pictures need to relate to your notes