U. S. Government: Democracy In Action

"Becoming a U.S. Citizen"

Introduction
In this chapter you have learned about the United States's immigration policy as well as the requirements for becoming a U.S. citizen. In this activity you will visit the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services Web site to more closely examine U.S. citizenship.

Destination Title: Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services

Note: Clicking on the link above will launch a new browser window.
Need help using your browser for this activity? Click here for tips.

Directions
Start at the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services Web site.

• Click on the Guide to Naturalization hyperlink.
• Scroll down to Section 2, "What Are the Benefits and Responsibilities of Citizenship?" (page 3 of PDF).
• Use the "back" arrow to return to the first screen.
• Click on the Eligibility and Testing link on the left side of the screen. From this page, click on the General Naturalization Requirements.
• Take notes as you explore these pages.

After you have read through the information, answer the following questions.

1			Describe some of the benefits and responsibilities of United States citizenship.
2			What are the general naturalization requirements expected of immigrants seeking to attain citizenship?
3			Do you think that any of the naturalization requirements are unfair? Are there any requirements that you think should be added?
4			From the Eligibility and Testing link, click on the 100 Sample U.S. History and Government Questions link. Scroll through the test and answer the first 25 questions. How many did you get right?
5			Draw a line down the middle of a separate sheet of paper. Label the two columns you have created For and Against. Under the appropriate heading, write arguments For or Against immigration and citizenship restrictions. Try to make each of your arguments convincing.