Chapter 1.2. The US is a nation of immigrants. There are many common misconceptions about...

Who Are Americans? Immigration

Chapter 1.2

What are some characteristics of each picture?

Melting Pot The US is a nation of immigrants. There are many common

misconceptions about immigrants.

What does it mean to be diverse?

Does this picture show diversity?

American Diversity

American diversity Watch for the variety of different

foods, holidays, landscapes but most importantly, people.

Immigrants often came with nothing but hope

The plight of the Immigrants

Famous Immigrants Albert Einstein Jewish. Greatest

physicist of the twentieth century. Born in Ulm, Germany

Accepted a position at Princeton University during Nazi rise.

Joseph Pulitzer Jewish father,

Catholic mother, born in Hungary.

Famous news editor. Pulitzer’s paper gained favor among the public for exposing corruption and tax dodger.

Left behind prestigious Pulitzer prize award.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

From AustriaBody builder, actor, and governor of California

Quota The United States hasn’t always limited how

many immigrants are allowed into the country. Think of reasons as to why our government limits

immigration. GO TO THIS LINK: http://

www.immigralaw.com/english/immigrationquotas.html

What is our current immigration quota?

Refugees

• Generally speaking, refugees are “pushed” out of their home country because of dangerous situations. • Can you think of any

scenarios that might occur whereby people would be so endangered that they need to relocate to another country for safety?

• Because of this, refugees do not have to go through the same, often lengthy, process of formal immigration.

Refugees

Naturalization The official and legal way for an immigrant to become a citizen of

the United States

The basic requirements to go through the naturalization process are:o Be at least 18 years old at the time of filing Form N-400, Application for

Naturalization.o Be a permanent resident (have a “Green Card”) for at least 5 years.o Show that you have lived for at least 3 months in the state or USCIS district

where you apply. o Demonstrate continuous residence in the United States for at least 5 years

immediately preceding the date of filing Form N-400. o Show that you have been physically present in the United States for at least

30 months out of the 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing Form N-400.

o Be able to read, write, and speak basic English. o Have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government (civics). o Be a person of good moral character. o Demonstrate an attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S.

Constitution.

Naturalization Once an immigrant becomes a naturalized citizen,

that person has all the rights, freedoms, and responsibilities of any other American citizen.

Including running for governmental positions…EXCEPT THE PRESIDENCY! ONLY NATURAL-BORN CITIZENS CAN BE PRESIDENT OR VICE PRESIDENT! o What happens if they both are unable to serve as

president? The Speaker of the House becomes president! What if the Speaker of the House is a foreign-born naturalized citizen? Then that person would be skipped and the next natural-born successor would be named.

o Still interested? Go here CLICK!

Aliens

NO! NOT THAT

KIND!!!Creepy.

Aliens Aliens are legal residents of the United States

that have not gone through the naturalization process to become a citizen.

They can basically do what everybody else does, but they cannot serve on juries, vote, or be elected to a governmental position.

Coincidentally to the picture on the previous slide, they have to carry around an identification card that is green. It’s called a green card

Illegal Aliens

NO! NOT THAT

KIND!!!Creepier.

Illegal Aliens People sneak across the United States border

without getting the necessary permission to enter.

Usually, it’s for better jobs, education, and healthcare.

Because they are undocumented, we have no idea how many illegal aliens live in the United States.

Life is tough because…o They have to avoid law enforcemento They aren’t entitled to minimum wage and often are

paid much lesso Cannot open bank accounts or lines of credit

THE DREAM ACT