STANDARD CE.3a
Becoming a Citizen
The standard: The student will demonstrate knowledge of citizenship and the rights, duties, and responsibilities of citizens by:

a) describing the processes by which an individual becomes a citizen of the United States.

How does an individual become a citizen?

A citizen is an individual with certain rights and duties under a government and who, by birth or by choice, owes allegiance to that government.

The Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America defines citizenship: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and the state wherein they reside.”

Means of obtaining citizenship
• Birth
• Naturalization

Immigration and naturalization, particularly in the twentieth century, have led to an increasingly diverse society.

To become a citizen through naturalization, a person must demonstrate knowledge of American history and principles and the ability to speak and write English.