Citizenship

1. Citizenship Lesson 2: Becoming a United States Citizen

2. The Question of Citizenship • The Constitution did not define its phrases, “citizens of the United States”, or “citizens of the states.” • It was not until the Civil War and the adoption of the 13th amendment did the need for a constitutional definition occur • 1868 the 14th Amendment was added • Declared that a person can become an American citizen either by birth or naturalization

3. Citizenship By Birth • Someone born in the U.S. or in one of its territories (ex: Puerto Rico) becomes a U.S. citizen when they are born • Someone born to American parents in a foreign country becomes a U.S. citizen • A child born to foreign parents in the U.S. also becomes a U.S. citizen (parents must be living in the U.S. at the time)

4. Acquiring Citizenship by Birth Jus Soli (law of the soil) Jus Sanguinis (law of the blood) • A child becomes a citizen if they are born in the U.S., U.S. territories, any U.S. embassy, or aboard a U.S. public vessel anywhere in in the world • A child born abroad can become a citizen. • One parent must be a citizen who has lived in the U.S. at some time • Both parents are citizens who have lived in the U.S. for some time

5. Citizenship through Naturalization • Congress allows people to become citizens of the U.S. • They must be: • At least 18 years old • Entered legally, lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years • Apply for Naturalization • Be able to speak, read and write English • Be of “good moral character” • Pass a citizenship test • Take an Oath of Allegiance to the U.S.

6. Can you lose your citizenship? • Yes, you can • If you are dishonest when you become a naturalized citizen, the court can take away your citizenship (called expatriation) • The process is called “denaturalization” • It can only occur through a court order and after it has been proven that the person became a citizen by fraud or deception • A person can never gain or lose citizenship by marriage