Unit 1-Lesson 2Citizenship-background information

What is a Citizen?

• A citizen is someone with specific rights and obligations within a country or state.

• All countries have their own definitions and expectations of citizens• Similarity between governments: grant citizenship to all persons

born within that country• Difference between governments: do not have the same

procedures to grant naturalization, nor do they grant the same rights

Citizenship in the U.S.

• Citizenship in the U.S may be achieved in 2 ways-• Citizenship by birth• “jus sanguine” (law of blood)- biological mother is a U.S citizen• “jus solis” (law of soil)- person born in U.S or on U.S. territories

• Both are mentioned in the 14th Amendment• The U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1788, and it mentions

citizenship 13 times, but does not define it.

• ‘Aliens’ are persons living in the U.S. who are not citizens.• Includes resident aliens and illegal immigrants

Becoming a Naturalized U.S Citizen

• A person who was not born a U.S citizen may become one through the naturalization process.

• Must meet the following conditions:a. Over 18 years old

b. Must have lived in U.S for 5 years, without leaving for more than 30 months combined and for no more than 12 consecutive months throughout the 5 year period

c. Must file a petition for naturalization

d. Must take an examination that shows they can read, speak and write English, and demonstrate knowledge of American history and the U.S Constitution

e. Must be able to prove that they are of good moral character

f. Two U.S. citizens must confirm that the applicant will be a good citizen and will be loyal to the U.S

• Once a-f has been completed, the applicant must take the Oath of Allegiance

Exception to the Naturalization Process

• The Child Citizenship Act of 2000• Took effect on February 27, 2001• Allows non-U.S. citizen children under 18 who have at least 1 U.S.

citizen parent, and who lives in the legal and physical custody of that parent, to be granted automatic naturalization citizenship.

• The child must live in the U.S., and be a lawful permanent resident, at the time that citizenship is granted

Impact of Naturalization

• The immigration debate has long been central to American politics.

• Concerns are few but strong• Who should be allowed to legally live in the U.S. without

naturalizing • Who is eligible to pursue naturalization• Who is at risk for deportation

• This debate has impacted campaigns • The immigration debate focuses, in part on the DREAM Act

(Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors)• Introduced to Congress in 2001, but did not pass• This Act targets non-citizen youth on a path to citizenship.

Citizenship and Florida Residency

• The 14th Amendment defines citizenship:• National citizenship comes before state citizenship• Citizens are entitled to rights granted by the national government• Citizens are entitled to rights granted by their own state’s government

• Citizenship does not exist at the state level• There are no Florida citizens

• There are rights reserved for Florida residents• Residency is established once a person has lived here for 6 months• Right to receive homestead exemption (tax)• Receive college scholarships

• Florida may not grant citizenship to aliens.