Discuss

1. What are some things that any government is expected to do for its citizens?

2. What are citizens expected to do for their government?

3. What are some advantages of being a citizen of the country you live in?

Guess

Try to answer the questions. Then look for the answers in the reading.

1. What is the range of income tax rates in the U.S.? Check (Ö) one:

_____ 5% - 10.5% ____ 15% - 39.6% ____ 22% - 50%

2. Who is Uncle Sam? Check (Ö) one:

_____ a famous American president ____ a symbol of the U.S. government

Citizenship: Its Obligations and Privileges

Becoming a Citizen

Every person living in the United States, citizen or not, is entitled to most of the na­tion's basic freedoms and protections. However, there are many advantages to becom­ing citizens for people who intend to live in the U.S.A. permanently. Of these, the most important are the right to remain in the U.S. and the right to participate in its government by voting. Once aliens become naturalized citizens, their rights are the same as those of any native-born citizen, except that they cannot become president or vice president.

With few exceptions, anyone born in the U.S. is automatically a citizen. Also, a person born outside the U.S. to parents who are both American citizens is a citizen. An alien who wishes to become a citizen must fulfill certain legal requirements. In most cases, a person must wait five continuous years after becoming a permanent resident. At least half of those five years must be spent in the U.S., and no trips outside the U.S. for more than six continuous months are permitted. The applicant must also have lived at least three months in the state in which the application is made.

In order to show the potential for being a good, productive citizen, it is necessary that the applicant show an understanding of the English language and of the history, princi­ples, and form of government of the U.S. The applicant must also demonstrate good moral character and a belief in the principles of the U.S. Constitution, such as repre­sentative government and free speech. Once approved for citizenship, the applicant goes before a judge and swears loyalty to the United States of America. This swearing­-in ceremony is usually attended by a group of people who become citizens at the same time.

Check your comprehension.

Name five requirements a permanent resident must fulfill in order to become an American citizen.

Дата добавления: 2015-08-27