Lucas Medeiros Barnum Essay March 22, 2011

Citizenship is a major part in almost every American and even Immigrants that come from other countries in search of better lives and a place to raise their families. What they dont know is that this process is a very long and extensive one that could take a while for the individual to complete. The person who is going to go through this process must first apply to take the naturalization test. So, Bob (potential naturalized citizen) has to first have lived in the U.S.A for at least 5 years before even thinking about taking the test1. Then Bob goes down to the government building which houses the INS, which has now changed to the USCIS, and asks for the Naturalization Form N-400. He fills out the form and then later on he goes and takes the very extensive English & Civics Test which includes questions about the government and so on (see image 1). CONGRATS to Bob! He has passed the Naturalization Test and was sworn in at the Ceremony that is held for a group of people kind of like a graduation. So now Bob is a naturalized citizen what benefits does that give him? Well, with citizenship comes a flow of duties, rights, and responsibilities. The Duty of a citizen is to obey the laws of the United States ex: Dont run red lights. Simple but theres more if you are over the age of 18 you have to perform jury duty, complete the census every 10 years, pay taxes, and Defend the nation. Defend
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http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/? vgnextoid=d84d6811264a3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=d84d68112 64a3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD

the Nation, what does that really mean? It means that all 18 year old males have to sign a paper that states if there were ever to have a draft he would be willing to go to war. But a citizen doesnt only have duties but he/she has many Freedoms, and Responsibilities that are like duties but arent required to be done. According to the Bill of Rights, a bill that states all peoples rights under the constitution;2 Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Press, Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Press, and Freedom of Assembly are only some of the many rights that we have. So, Bob is now a full time naturalized citizen with all the benefits and perks that comes after all the tests and interviews. Tons and tons of people travel to the United States in search for the perks that Bob received. My father was one of those people, which would make me the third generation in the United States. I sat my father down and asked him some simple questions about his decisions on coming to the United States. Most people are told that the USA is completely different from their homelands and my father agreed: EXCERPT: Lucas: How does the US differ from where you came from? Rogerio: Everything is different, the economy, the schools are better, and even the transportation. There are also many stories of how people try to get here by walking through Mexico or making a boat out of trees and floating to the USA. Many of which are true despite the dangers to ones health. My father was asked the same question and he answered: EXCERPT: Lucas: How did you get here to America? Rogerio: On a plane.

http://constitution.org/billofr_.htm

But with so many people becoming naturalized and coming to the United States for a better outlook on life I was wondering if it were all necessary? What does this all mean? How does a simple word like American change how you live or how to carry yourself? In my opinion being an American is a term that is identical to being Asian or African American. It is something that you live with but it doesnt change who you are as a person. Everyone wants to be and American if you live in America or are born with a heritage or another nation under your belt you should be able to carry both around like two gold trophies, not afraid of whoever sees. But these separate opinions can also cause controversy with the term One Nation. If we are One Nation how is it that if you are not a citizen you have to be sent away. So unity is by definition: an absence of diversity; the state of being one. This is something that our country believes in but as soon as someone from the outside was to move in without being allowed all hell would break loose. So, I think that the unity of the USA was something that should be challenged. But when there is unity it there are different rights that should be shared between every person here. And they are: The Right to A speedy and public trial. An attorney when accused of a crime. Have witnesses testify in court. A trial by jury. Have protection from cruel and unusual punishment.

 Natural vs. Inalienable rights (freedom of speech, etc.).

I think I would have also come to the United States if I were promised those rights but I would also wonder, why do people choose to come here and what opportunities would they get? According to the lecture that Mrs. Graf gave some people either flee the United States for fear of losing their lives which would be a case for a refugee or just to find a better life from sometimes poverty their stricken country3. She also said that Jobs, insurance, and homes were some of the things that they couldnt really have before but they could when they came to the U.S4. Finally, I understand why so many people want to come to the United States for the benefits, job opportunities, homes, insurance, and much more. This would explain why my grandfather decided to come here in the first place. It explains why he came on a plane and left his family, my father, behind to start a better life. But then my father wanted to go find this better life my grandfather was living. He then stayed while my grandfather left for a better place, and started a family which is why I am here today.

3 4

Mrs. Graf Mrs. Graf

Works Cited
American Civil Liberties Union. n.d. http://www.aclu.org/ (accessed march 15, 2010). Bill Of Rights. n.d. http://constitution.org/billofr_.htm (accessed march 18, 2010). Graf, Katie. "American Citizenship." Central High School. 02 Sept 2010. Medeiros, Rogerio, interview by Lucas Medeiros. Interview (March 18, 2011). U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services. 10 1, 2009. http://www.uscis.gov (accessed 3 16, 2010).