Table of Contents
Does Congress have the power to naturalization citizens?
Article 1, § 8, clause 4, of the United States Constitution specifically grants Congress the power to establish a “uniform Rule of Naturalization.” By expressly allocating this power to Congress, the Constitution prevents the confusion that would result if individual states could bestow citizenship.
Which level of government has the power to grant or take away someone’s US citizenship?
What is the only thing that can take away citizenship? The federal government.
What does the US Constitution say about naturalization?
The Fourteenth Amendment declares persons born or naturalized in the United States to be citizens, and Congress may not distinguish among classes of Fourteenth Amendment citizens in setting rules for expatriation (assuming the absence of fraud in obtaining naturalization).
What are the citizen rights?
First Amendment – protects the citizens’ freedom to practice the religion of their choice or not practice any religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom to peaceably assemble and address the government. Seventh Amendment – guarantees citizens the right to a jury trial in federal civil cases.
Is the path to naturalization controlled by Congress?
Though Congress broadly controls the path to naturalization in the United States, it is restricted in conditioning the retention of citizenship so conferred.
How is the present law related to naturalization?
The present law is discussed in The Naturalization of Aliens, infra. Although the usual form of naturalization is through individual application and official response on the basis of general congressional rules, naturalization is not so limited. Citizenship can be conferred by special act of Congress, 14
What was the purpose of the naturalization power?
Article I, Section 8, Clause 4: [The Congress shall have Power . . . ] To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States; . . . Boyd v. Nebraska ex rel. Thayer, 143 U.S. 135, 162 (1892).
How is citizenship conferred in the United States?
Citizenship can be conferred by special act of Congress, 1323 it can be conferred collectively either through congressional action, such as the naturalization of all residents of an annexed territory or of a territory made a state, 1324 or through treaty provision. 1325