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The Start of Citizenship
The United States states started there first naturalization law in 1790, giving any white free person citizenship if they lived in the U.S for two or more years (Blakemore, 2020). Native Americans or enslaved people could not gain citizenship because they were not considered citizens. -
Why the Enslaved Were Not Allowed to Gain Citizenship
During this time of white people becoming citizens, it was not in the cards for blacks to be thought of as humans. No person of color or African descent could be considered for citizenship (Blakemor,2020). This rule was put into place by Chief Justice Roger B. Taney with a majority rule opinion. -
Citizenship to All People Born on U.S soil
During this time, Attorney General Edward Bates wanted to resolve the issues and have any free man of color that was born on American soil would be considered American (Blakemore,2020). Congress passed a law that allowed any person born in the United States citizenship. -
The 14th Amendment
The 14th amendment allowed people to become citizens “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof.” (Blakemore,2020). -
Children Born to Foreign Parents
The supreme court granted citizenship to people who were born on United States soil who's parents were foreign. ( L.A Time Archives, 1997). Even if their parents were barred, their children still would be considered Americans. -
Marriage and Citizenship
Women were not allowed to marry any man that was not a United States citizen. If so, their citizenship would be taken away. -
Citizenship to Native Americans
Native Americans were granted citizenship rights in 1924 but did not gain full citizenship until 1940. Some states did not allow Native Americans to vote until 1962. -
Oath of Allegiance
More than 1.1 million people take the citizen oath of allegiance. This oath of allegiance is a sworn declaration that citizens must recite in order to become United States Citizens.