People have moved to the United States from other parts of the world throughout America’s history. Early in the country’s history, most people came from Europe (by choice) and Africa (by force). During the 20th century, immigrants came to the United States from Asia and Latin America in large numbers. Immigration has created a diverse mix of ethnic backgrounds in the United States.

Immigration Video

There become a naturalized citizen, a candidate must be at least age 18 or older, a legal resident of the United States for at least 5 years, have good moral character (a relatively clean record- a person convicted of a crime might not meet this requirement), have the ability to read, speak, and write English for ordinary usage, have loyalty to the principles of the US Constitution, and have a knowledge of the history and form of government of the United States.

Many immigrants have become citizens of the United States by completing 4 steps in the process of naturalization. The first step is to apply. Immigrants can submit an application for citizenship free of charge through the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The next step is an examination. Applicants take a test to prove that they meet citizenship requirements.

The third step is a court hearing, where the applicant appears in front of a judge, and, based on the exam results, the examiner may recommend citizenship be granted to the applicant.

The final step is an oath. If citizenship is granted by a judge, the applicant takes a loyalty oath to the United States and receives a certificate of naturalization.

All people on US soil have rights protections, not just US citizens. The US Constitution and laws passed by Congress protect both civil liberties (protection from government action) and civil rights (protection from unfair treatment).

The Bill of Rights includes most civil liberties protections, while civil rights weren’t enforced in most of the country until the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed. The Civil Rights Act established that those who refused access to public accommodations (like hotels, stores, restaurants, public schools, and recreation facilities) based on race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, etc. could be charged with crimes by the US Justice Department.

There are four duties of citizens that are required by law. The first duty is to obey the laws. Laws keep society orderly, but can only do so if citizens obey the laws.

Citizens also have a duty to pay taxes. Citizens should pay taxes honestly and on time because taxes pay for the operation of government.

Citizens also have a duty to defend the nation. Men are required to register with the selective service in case the President & Congress has to issue a military draft when they turn 18.

Lastly, citizens have two duties in the legal system- to either to serve on a jury or as a witness in court when requested to do so. Citizens must appear in court if they receive a jury duty notice or are subpoenaed to testify as a witness.

If citizens choose not to fulfill their civic duties, they face legal consequences, such as fines and/or jail time.

Citizens also have civic responsibilities in government, which are voluntary, or done by free choice, but are important because they contribute to the common good.

First, citizens may register and vote, which is the main way citizens voice their opinions to the government.

Citizens may also run for office. Citizens that run & win can try to represent the best interest of the people they represent.

Citizens may also communicate with government officials. By making their views known, citizens can influence government actions.

Another responsibility of citizens is to serve in appointed positions. Serving in these positions on bodies such as planning commissions and zoning boards is work that benefits the community.

Citizens also take part in political campaigns by making calls, canvassing, and advocating for candidates or issues.

Another responsibility of citizens is to stay informed regarding current events & issues.

Lastly, citizens are responsible for respecting the rights of others to have an equal voice in government. A diversity of ideas is important, and citizens will not always agree with one another.

There are certain character traits that contribute to good citizenship.

Trustworthiness

Trustworthiness means being dependable and reliable, or being a person of your word.

Honesty

Honesty means being truthful, having integrity, and not being deceiving.

Courtesy

Courtesy means demonstrating polite behavior and manners.

Respect for rights of others

Showing respect for the rights of others includes being considerate of others as well as being understanding and tolerant of differences.

Responsibility and Accountability

Responsibility is using good judgement and sound thinking, while accountability is being answerable for one’s own decisions and actions and not blaming others.

Self-Reliance

Self-reliance means trusting one’s abilities & judgement, and being independent.

Respect for the Law

Obeying laws and upholding the rule of law are examples of showing respect for the law.

Patriotism

Patriotism is love for one’s country & national pride. Patriotism is not ethnocentrism, or the idea that we’re better than everyone else.

Participation in school or community

Taking part in activities in the community for the common good, like raising money for school events or making donations for charities, are examples of participating in the schools or community.

Being an informed voter

Being an informed voter means to vote based on a reasoned evaluation of information from many sources.

Participation in civic life requires thoughtful decision-making, as does every aspect of our lives, like personal matters and financial matters. Thoughtful decision-making can help us make informed decisions rather than relying on biased or irrelevant, or unrelated/ unimportant information. Thoughtful decision-making includes 4 steps:

1. Thinking of and asking questions- the what, why, when, etc.

2. Analyzing information- from many sources, not just one or two.

3. Expressing a position- developing a conclusion from the information that was analyzed.

4. Devising and carrying out a plan- acting on what has been have found out.

We have 3 main responsibilities to our community: to help the people in it, to maintain it, and to make it a better place to live and be. People often volunteer to help their communities achieve these things, through their interests, service and expertise. There are 5 areas in which people often volunteer.

The Environment

People interested in volunteering in the environment may participate in clean-up days, start recycling programs, work in a community garden, or help keep parks and trails clean.

Public Health and Safety

People interested in volunteering in field of public health and safety may participate in fundraisers for disease treatments/research, organize and participate in blood drives, or volunteer in nursing homes or hospitals.

Education

People interested in volunteering in the field of education may help tutor students or classmates, or volunteer to read to young children.

Helping the less fortunate

People interested in volunteering by helping the less fortunate may join organizations that build homes for the needy, or donate to and/or collect items for the local food pantry or local thrift shops.

Government

People interested in volunteering in government may join non- affiliated political organizations, serve as workers during elections, or participate in town hall meetings.

Different opportunities will arise as people strive to attain their career goals. A career is what someone pursues as their life’s work. Employers (those who hire) in all fields seek employees (those who sell their labor) with a number of traits.

One such trait is education. At least a high school diploma is a requirement for most jobs, and specialized education is required for many jobs, such as law school for lawyers and the real estate exam for realtors.

Employers also seek workers who have a strong work ethic. Employers want workers who are dependable, cooperative, and give a good effort.

Employers also seek workers with strong technology skills. As technology becomes more advanced, so do the skills employers are looking for.

Jobs that require more education and specialization also may require more skills. For example, after they graduate from college, aspiring doctors have to go to medical school for 4 years and intern for 3 years, but those jobs also pay more in wages.