Citizenship and Civic Duties

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Alien

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A person who lives in a country but is not a citizen of that country.

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Citizen

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A person who, by birth or naturalization, is a legal member of a country with rights, duties, and protections.

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Due Process

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Fair treatment under the law; the government must follow legal steps before taking away life, liberty, or property.

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Immigrant

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A person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country.

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Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder)

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A non-citizen who is legally allowed to live and work in the U.S. and may apply for citizenship after meeting requirements.

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Naturalization

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The legal process through which a non-citizen becomes a U.S. citizen (includes residency, testing, and the Oath of Allegiance).

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Law of Blood (Jus Sanguinis)

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Citizenship is granted because one or both parents are U.S. citizens, no matter where the child is born.

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Law of Soil (Jus Soli)

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Citizenship is granted to anyone born on U.S. soil or territory, regardless of parents’ citizenship.

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Selective Service System

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A government agency that keeps records of males ages 18–25 for possible military service in case of a draft (a legal obligation).

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Common Good

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Doing what benefits society as a whole, not just individual interests.