American Citizenship
What does it mean to be a citizen?
Criteria
◊“Jus Sanguinis” – Blood Born birth abroad
◊“Jus Soli” – Law of Soil birth
◊ Parents – At least one parent is a US Citizen even if birth is abroad
Acquisition of Citizenship
◊Native Born
◊Through birth abroad to two United States citizens
◊Through birth abroad to one United States citizen
◊Naturalization
Rights of Citizens
◊Right to participate in the Political System at all levels of government
◊Represented and Protected abroad through U.S. embassies and consulates
◊Reside in the U.S. and its territories without any immigration requirements
◊Exceptions – Persons convicted of felonies cannot vote in most states and naturalized persons cannot run for the office of President or Vice President
Responsibilities of Citizens
◊Serve on Jury Duty
◊Pay Taxes
◊Obtain a U.S. Passport for travel out of and into the United States
◊Male 18 yrs old – Register with the Selective Service System for possible conscription into the Armed Forces
◊Naturalized U.S. citizens swear to bear arms and perform noncombatant service n the military and work of nation importance under civilian direction
Naturalization Process ◊A person who was not born a U.S. citizen may acquire U.S. citizenship through a process known as naturalization.
◊At least 18 yrs old
◊Legal Permanent Resident for at least 90 days
◊Married to a U.S. citizen for at least 3 years
◊Be a person of “Good Morale Character”
◊Take the 10 questions Citizenship test and understand English
How does Naturalization work?
◊U.S. Constitution gives Congress the power to make naturalization laws for the United States. No individual state can grant citizenship to aliens.
◊A person can become a naturalized citizen of the U.S. individually or as part of a group.
◊Generally, any person who has come into the U.S. as an immigrant may become a naturalized citizen. To do so, a person must be over 18 years old and must have lived in the United States for