Multimodal Notes

Citizenship Requirements








Essential Question: What are the requirements for U.S. citizenship?









There are only four requirements to become a legal citizen of the United States. That’s right, only four! What are they?









1.) Being born either in the United States or in one of its territories.


“I was born in the USA”







Question: Does being born in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands qualify?







Answer: Yes! If you are born in a U.S. territory you will be provided with a birth certificate proving your citizenship. There are many hypothetical questions you can ask. You should search the internet if you have further questions.







Here are some resources:





http://www.visaus.com/citizen.html







http://www.american-citizenship.org/







http://www.uscitizenshiprequirements.com/#13176019268721&162





2.) Being born to parents who are U. S. citizens.





“My parents were born in the USA!”















Question: If parents are U.S. citizens and they have a child in another country, is the baby a U.S. citizen?















Answer: This is a tricky question. If both parents lived in the U.S. prior to birth, then yes. Check out this website if you have more questions.








http://www.visalaw.com/05jan1/2jan105.html











3.) Becoming naturalized after applying and taking an exam.







“We were born out of the USA.”







Note: This is the most difficult way to become a U.S. citizen. It is a lengthy and difficult process that only selects a limited number of applicants. Do you think it is good that the process is difficult? What are the pros and cons?













A.) Question: Is it really that easy? I just have to apply and take an exam?







Answer: Not exactly! To apply for the test you must meet the following criteria.







-You are 18 years of age.







-You have been a lawful resident of the United States for three years, and had lived half of that time in the United States.







-You have been married to a citizen for three years, or a permanent resident for five years.







-You have resided in your state for three months.







-You are willing to take an oath of allegiance to this country.







-You are fluent in English, and have a proficient knowledge of the language.







-You must have a testable knowledge of United States history and government.







-You must not have been involved in, or have been convicted of any crime.













B.) Question: Ok, so if I have met this criteria. What would I do next?













Answer: Next you would follow these two steps.







Step 1. Apply for naturalization test













After passing the exam go to step 2.













Step 2. Attend Naturalization Ceremony and pledge an oath of allegiance























4.) Having your parents naturalized.







“My parents were naturalized in the USA”



















Question: So wait, if a child was born in another country it can still be a U.S. citizen without having to take the citizenship test?







Answer: Yes Grasshopper. Now you’re getting the hang of it!