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Becoming American Immigrants

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1. If I came to the U.S as a child and found out I was never an American citizen when I turned 18, I would do everything in my power to try to get my citizenship. Following the devastating news, I would feel betrayed and unwanted. I would also feel as if I have nobody to turn to since all my friends wouldn't be able to relate because they are naturally born citizens. However, I would still attempt to go to college and get a profession. I have always felt that the best way to gain the respect of others is to be well educated and have a professional career. The DREAM Act would be a reform that would help me in this situation because it would allow me to continue my education without fear of deportation. Especially since I would have been less than the age of 16 when I got to the United States and have graduated high school, which are requirements of the DREAM Act. Although, current immigration debates would possibly make my search for a profession tough because the DREAM Act doesn't guarantee citizenship (Module 3, p.11). Thus, many jobs prefer a potential candidate for a job to have a United States citizenship.

2. Historically, it was typically only the white males or people who could pass as having white physical features that could claim citizenship. “Citizenship was determined by gender and by the …show more content…

The concept of “citizenship” is a social construction because everyone in our society plays a part of defining citizenship. One may refer to citizenship as being a naturally born citizen or and immigrant who got their citizenship papers. Social media, news outlets, and even our family may change our perception of citizenship. Citizenship is usually tied in with immigration and how we think of immigrants. Thus, it would have never existed without society’s help of shaping the meaning and norms. Therefore, this has formed bills, debates, and independent opinions. These include the I-Word Campaign, the DREAM Act, Anti-Immigrant Movement,

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