American Citizenship and Immigration Controls - Essay Example

? of United s Psychology Question In reference to Reimer, Simon and Romance , a citizen is an individual who, by birth or naturalization, owes loyalty to and receives protection from a nation’s government (p. 234). In essence, being a citizen connotes rights and obligations. Different societies and states have different rights and obligations for its citizens. United States citizenship is an official standing within the country that comes with responsibilities and rights available only to its citizens. United States office of Citizenship and Immigration controls citizenship. In comparing different countries across the world in terms of per capita Gross Domestic Product, or in terms of Human Development Index, we can denote that the people in the most developed countries enjoy a good life (Reimer, Simon and Romance, 2010, p. 256). In this case, as an American citizen, notions of good life arise from the material fulfillment, quality of relations between individuals and the environment which leads to a comfortable life. American citizenship is obtained by birth or through naturalization (Reimer, Simon and Romance, 2010, p. 237). An individual born in United States obtains citizenship automatically by birth. On the other hand, a person not born in America can become a citizen by naturalization. This is done through application after satisfying citizenship tests, residency requirements and repudiation of any other foreign citizenship (Reimer, Simon and Romance, 2010, p. 238). American Citizen is obliged to “support and defend the constitution, serve the country when required, participate in democratic process, respect and obey federal, state and the local laws and respect the rights, beliefs and opinions of others” (Reimer, Simon and Romance, 2010, p. 242). In return, the society and state has obligations towards an America citizen. In reference to Reimer, Simon and Romance (2010), an American citizen has the right to “vote in federal elections, bring family members to the United States, run for federal office and become eligible for federal grants and scholarships” (p. 247). Question #2 Different dimensions across the world have been used to define good life. Material satisfaction, autonomy, positive relations with other people within the society and the environment are some of the dimensions that have been used to define good life (Reimer, Simon and Romance, 2010, p. 257). Over the past centuries, different authors and scholar have formulated theories to explain good life. Some of the authors such as Aristotle, Hume, Dobson and Leopold attempted to link the virtue of ethics to the idea of responsible being and acting. In this golden age, defining good life is reasonably maculated. Reimer, Simon and Romance (2010), assert “rising levels of anxiety, declining levels of happiness and well being, partly linked to our emergent inequality and rising dissatisfaction with what we have materially, politically and personally” (p. 262) have all been issues of concern. In essence, this notion denies people the chance to associate with nature. Needless to say, such a notion is in extreme contrast with concepts of ecological sustainability and has contributed to environmental dilapidation In a wealthy and developed country like United States, good life should not only be defined by the material satisfaction but also by the other facets of good life. The current dominating socio-economic system in the United States is one propelled by the chase for unimpeded augmentation conveyed by Gross Domestic Product percentage (Reimer, Simon and Romance, 2010, p. 264). United States notion of individuals as maximizing agents equates material well being with good life and views the environment as a mere input to the economic system of production. Though material satisfaction defines a good life, personal development, positive relations with other people and the environment are part and parcel of good life. Question #3 The society of United States has developed since it became a union. This society has unique social and cultural attributes which include arts, cuisine, music and dialect. Currently, United States is described as a country with racial and ethnic diversity (Reimer, Simon and Romance, 2010, p. 142). This is attributed by the increased immigration into the country from other different countries across the globe. In the United States, skin colour and physical attributes had played a major role in shaping the American culture. The racial minorities were discriminated upon and marginalized. Recent developments have been directed towards cultural diversity. Appreciation of an individual’s culture has helped foster unity among the American citizens (Reimer, Simon and Romance, 2010, p. 137). The idea on democracy has helped create unity in the union. United States has a constitution that spells out the rights of its citizens. This constitution sets out conditions and rules that govern a country and unite the people. United States constitution brings about equality for all people in the country. In reference to Reimer, Simon and Romance (2010), equality is portrayed by granting everyone an opportunity to “enter the clergy, royal sale of titles of nobility as a monarchical fundraising tool and widespread economic opportunity for all and the abolition of primogeniture” (p. 147). Though United States has no common language, English is an accepted official national language. This has fostered understanding among the different people from different ethnic backgrounds. In reference to Reimer, Simon and Romance (2010), this is considered a pillar for unity in the union (p. 152). Question #4 Development is a process of change and growth. An unexpected political agreement is present around the desire for a better society. Contemporary society is changing with population demanding participation in changing the lives of the communities. In this changing society, there is need to identify the real needs and realistic aims. Implementation of an ill-conceived project that does not integrate the current living patterns of the society will not meet the aim of life improvement in the society. Needless to say, it only becomes a source of aggravation. In my view, there is need to identify needs of people appropriately. This can be done through a survey of the living situation in the society. The implementation of suitable and appropriate projects centered on the people’s needs will help improve the lives of the people and make the society better. American founding fathers worked hard to attain liberty and democracy for all. Liberty and democracy for all is expressed in granting equal rights to all to citizens. Good management of community and society affairs should be open for all. This will help the society take responsibility of making decisions that will assist in development of the society. In addition, in order to attain a better society, United States authority can create more job opportunities. This will help in reducing unemployment in the country and create a better society. Works Cited Riemer, Neal, Douglas Simon, and J Romance. The Challenge of Politics: An introduction to political Science. 3rd ed. Cq Press, 2010. Print. Read More