Gaining & Losing Citizenship

Roots of CitizenshipO Idea of citizenship dates back more than

2500 years to ancient Greece and Rome.O Only property-holding men could be

citizens.O Citizens’ duties: taxpayer, soldier.O 1700s brought new ideas: Citizenship

defined as belonging to a nation; citizens gave their governments power by their consent, or agreement, to participate in those governments.

U.S. CitizenshipO For many years, U.S. citizenship was

limited to white males.O African-American men granted

citizenship in 1868 (14th Amendment).

O Women granted citizenship in 1920 (19th Amendment).

O Native Americans granted citizenship in 1924 (Indian Citizenship Act).

Becoming A Citizen Today

O Not based on wealth, gender, race or religion.O Two ways: 1) By birth or 2) by naturalization.O Natural-born citizen: Born in the 50 states or

D.C. O Also, if you are born in an American territory (ex.

Puerto Rico) or on a U.S. military base overseas.O Born in another country? Both parents must be

U.S. citizens or one must be a U.S. citizen who has lived here.

O Dual Citizenship: Citizen of the U.S. and the country you were born in.

Getting NaturalizedO 18 or older.O A lawful permanent resident for 5

years.O Able to read, write and speak English.O Good moral character.O An understanding of U.S. civics.O 1st step: Apply to U.S. Citizenship &

Naturalization Services (USCIS).O 2nd step: Take a citizenship exam.

Losing CitizenshipO Expatriation: Becoming a naturalized

citizen of another country.O Denaturalization: What happens when

someone if found to have lied on their citizenship application.

O Being convicted of certain crimes (treason or rebellion)

O Only the federal government can grant citizenship or take it away, but states can deny some privileges (ex. Felons can’t vote).

What does it mean (or what would it mean) to you to be a citizen of the United States?