UNIT: GOVERNMENT
Citizens
WEEK 23
PAST AND PRESENT
A citizen is an official member of a country, state, or community. If you were born in the United States, you are a U.S. citizen. If your parents are citizens, you can become a citizen no matter where you were born. People who are born outside of the United States can choose to become a citizen. If you choose to become a citizen of the United States, the government requires specific things that must be done. To become a citizen, you must be at least 18 years old and have lived in the United States for at least five years.
You must be loyal and be willing to pledge allegiance to the United States. To pledge allegiance means to take an oath of loyalty. You must have a basic understanding of U.S. history, government, and the Constitution. In addition, you must be able to speak, read, and write English. The process of becoming a citizen has three different steps. First, you must file an application. This includes being fingerprinted, taking photographs, and providing legal
documents. Applicants must also pay a fee to submit their documents. The next step is to take the naturalization exam. This exam has two parts. It has an English test, and a U.S. history and government exam. The last step is to appear in court. You must go before a judge and ask to become a U.S. citizen. The judge listens to your reasons for wanting to become a citizen. Then, the judge will make a final decision. Once you are made a citizen, you have all the rights and duties of any other U.S. citizen.
GUIDING QUESTION
What are the rights of U.S. citizens?
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