LESSON 3: DIFFERENT TYPES OF CITIZENS

Citizenship

Aliens

Definition- People who are citizens of another country but who are in the U.S. for a reason

May be visitors, students, or temporary job holders

They must follow U.S. laws and they have most of the rights that American citizens do

How do we keep track of everyone?

Register once a year in January with Citizenship and Immigration Services (part of Homeland Security)

Record the location and activities of aliens

They can become citizens

When they become citizens they gain full rights; including the right to vote, serve on a jury, or hold public office

What happens if they break a law?

If an alien breaks a law or does not pay their taxes they may be deported

Definition- to send away or order to leave a country

If someone is deported they must leave the U.S. and return to the country they were born in

If an alien commits a serious crime they can be deported

If an alien is loyal to a government that is not friendly to the U.S. may be deported

What Is Political Asylum?

We offer this to aliensDefinition- a place where a person is safe from the

dangerous actions or beliefs of his or her own country or government

Asylum may be given to visitors, athletes, artists, sailors or workers from another government

They feel mistreated by their governmentWe protect them until we know why they wish to

leave their home country; if it is a valid reason they can stay

They may apply for citizenship

Undocumented Aliens

No one knows for sure how many live in the U.S.

The number increases by at least a half million a year

Enter the country through the borders of Canada or Mexico

Some have forged papers; many are aliens who overstayed their welcome

Nearly all are sent home; those who are apprehended

Problems Due to Undocumented Aliens

Until 1987 it was legal to hire undocumented aliens

Now many hold jobs that they received when they came here illegally

The increase in population has put stress on the public school systems and welfare services of several states (California, Texas and Florida)

There have been laws passed to help with this issue

Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986Illegal Immigration Restrictions Act of 1996