2. Which is true regarding citizenship in the United States? Select all that apply. (2 points)
All children born in the United States are citizens.
Citizens are not allowed to vote in national elections.
Citizenship can be acquired through naturalization.
Everyone who lives in the United States is a citizen.
And you think … ?
I would say "all children" and "naturalization".
The correct answers are:
1. All children born in the United States are citizens.
3. Citizenship can be acquired through naturalization.
To determine which statements are true regarding citizenship in the United States, we need to review the facts.
1. All children born in the United States are citizens: True. According to the principle of jus soli (meaning "right of soil"), anyone born on U.S. soil is automatically granted U.S. citizenship, regardless of their parents' nationality or immigration status.
2. Citizens are not allowed to vote in national elections: False. Citizens of the United States have the right to vote in national elections once they reach the legal voting age, which is typically 18 years old. Voting is considered one of the fundamental rights and responsibilities of a citizen.
3. Citizenship can be acquired through naturalization: True. Naturalization is the process by which foreign-born individuals become U.S. citizens. It involves meeting specific eligibility criteria, such as lawful permanent residency, proving proficiency in English and knowledge of U.S. history and government, and demonstrating good moral character.
4. Everyone who lives in the United States is a citizen: False. Citizenship is not automatically acquired simply by residing in the United States. While some individuals may be citizens from birth, as described in statement 1, others may become citizens through naturalization (as mentioned in statement 3). However, many people in the United States, such as non-immigrant visa holders or undocumented immigrants, are not citizens.
Taking the above information into account, the true statements regarding citizenship in the United States are:
- All children born in the United States are citizens.
- Citizenship can be acquired through naturalization.
Thus, the correct answer would be the first and third statements.