Naturalization

How to Become a U.S. Citizen

3 Ways to be an American Citizen

• Be born in the U.S. This is called being a "natural born" citizen

• Have a parent that is a U.S. citizen. If you are born in a different country but have a parent that is a U.S. citizen you will also will be a U.S. citizen

• Go through naturalization. This is the only other way to become a U.S. citizen

Naturalization:

The process someone who is not a citizen goes through in order to become a citizen

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a way to be a U.S. citizen?

• Live in the U.S. for at least 5 years

• Be born in the U.S.

• Have a parent that is a U.S. citizen

• Go through naturalization

Multiple Choice

What is naturalization?

• The process to become a citizen if you are not one

• A person who is born as U.S. citizen

• A process for becoming a citizen if your parents are citizens

Immigration Status

• A person who moves to the U.S. from another country is called an immigrant

• There are two categories of immigrants: documented or undocumented

• A documented immigrant has paperwork saying they have permission from the U.S. government to live in the U.S.

• The document is either called a visa (temporary permission to stay) or a green card (permanent permission to stay)

Immigration Status

• A person who does not have a visa or greencard or had a visa that is expired is considered "undocumented"

• Please avoid using the term "illegal immigrant" because a human cannot be legal or illegal. Only actions can be.

• The only action that makes their immigration status "illegal" is that they don't have the proper document to be here. It doesn't mean they have broken other laws

Multiple Choice

What is a person called if they are not a citizen and they live in the U.S. without a visa or greencard?

• naturalized immigrant

• illegal immigrant

• undocumented immigrant

Immigration Process in the U.S.

• It is very difficult to get a Visa to come to the U.S. legally

• Visas expire so to stay longer you would have to apply for a visa renewal. Many immigrants are denied when they apply for renewal

• If an immigrant wants to live in the U.S. permanently they can apply for a green card

• In order to get a green card you must get a visa first

Multiple Choice

What is the difference between a visa or a green card?

• A green card is permanent and a visa is temporary

• A visa lasts longer than a green card

• Only natural born citizens can apply for a green card

• A green card is more expensive

Immigration Process in the U.S.

• A green card makes you a legal permanent resident of the U.S. but not a citizen.

• What's the difference? If you are a legal permanent resident you could be deported if you break a law

• If you are a citizen you cannot be deported

• If you have citizenship you have full rights and protection of the U.S. such as the right to vote. If you have a green card you do not

Multiple Choice

Why would someone want to be a citizen instead of just having a greencard forever?

• A greencard will expire after awhile

• Citizenship is easier to get than a greencard

• Citizenship means you will have the full rights provided by the country

Steps to become a naturalized citizen

• The naturalization process is VERY difficult and there are many requirements and steps

Basic Requirements to start Naturalization

• Be at least 18 years old

• Have good character (not have ANYthing on your criminal record)

Multiple Select

Which of the following are 2 requirements to go through naturalization?

• Have a good paying job

• Have family members in the U.S.

• Have good character

• Be at least 18 years old

• Be at least 30 years old

Naturalization Steps

• Get a green card and then file a declaration of intention to become a citizen. You must have the green card for at least 5 years

• Learn English if you are not from an English speaking country. You will have to prove you can speak and write it

• Pass a Civics test

• Pass an Interview

• Take an Oath of Allegiance

Multiple Select

Which of the following must be done to go through naturalization *select 3*

• Pass a civics test

• Pass a geography test

• Get a U.S. drivers license

• Take an Oath of Allegiance

• Pass an interview

Multiple Select

What are 2 other requirements to go through naturalization?

• Live in U.S. for at least 5 years

• Have a drivers license

• Speak two languages

• Speak English

• Have a college degree

Naturalization Oath

• The Naturalization Oath is read aloud by many soon to be citizens in a large ceremony

• In the oath they agree to give up their loyalty and allegiance to their home country and to swear allegiance to the United States

• They agree to defend the United States even if it goes to war with their home country

• When they finish this oath they are sworn in as a U.S. Citizen and give up citizenship to their home country

Multiple Choice

What do people swear to do when they take the naturalization oath?

• to learn English

• to work in the United States

• to be loyal to the U.S.

• to follow all naturalization steps