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=== Naturalization From 1790-1906<ref name="Newman" /> === | === Naturalization From 1790-1906<ref name="Newman" /> === | ||
The first naturalization law was enacted in 1790. Over the years, naturalization laws changed numerous times, but generally speaking the process required a | The first naturalization law was enacted in 1790. Over the years, naturalization laws changed numerous times, but generally speaking the process required a Declaration of Intention and a Petition to be filed to become a citizen (Except during the years 1798 to 1828. see [[United States Naturalization Records#Report_and_Registry.2C_1798-1828|Report and Registry]] listed below). After 1906, several other documents were created during the naturalization process. | ||
The immigrant also had to be a resident in the United States 5 years and 1 year resident in the the state before becoming a citizen. In 1795, there was a 3 year waiting period - later changed to 2 years in 1824 - between filing the declaration and the petition. | The immigrant also had to be a resident in the United States 5 years and 1 year resident in the the state before becoming a citizen. In 1795, there was a 3 year waiting period - later changed to 2 years in 1824 - between filing the declaration and the petition. | ||
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:#'''Declaration of Intention.''' The immigrant filed a declaration of intention (also called first papers) to renounce allegiance to foreign governments and in order to later prove he or she had resided in the country long enough to apply for citizenship. Residency laws changed consistently over time ranging from no residency requirement (meaning they could declare right after they "came off the boat") to 14 years residency. However, generally speaking, an immigrant filed a declaration of intention up to two years after he immigrated to the United States. The immigrant also could declare any time after he arrived after fulfilling the residency requirement. Some immigrants waited as late as 20 years after coming to the United States to begin the process to become a citizen. There are some [[#Exceptions_to_the_Naturalization_Process|exceptions]] to the naturalization process where the immigrant was not required to file a declaration. | :#'''Declaration of Intention.''' The immigrant filed a declaration of intention (also called first papers) to renounce allegiance to foreign governments and in order to later prove he or she had resided in the country long enough to apply for citizenship. Residency laws changed consistently over time ranging from no residency requirement (meaning they could declare right after they "came off the boat") to 14 years residency. However, generally speaking, an immigrant filed a declaration of intention up to two years after he immigrated to the United States. The immigrant also could declare any time after he arrived after fulfilling the residency requirement. Some immigrants waited as late as 20 years after coming to the United States to begin the process to become a citizen. There are some [[#Exceptions_to_the_Naturalization_Process|exceptions]] to the naturalization process where the immigrant was not required to file a declaration. | ||
:#'''Petition.''' The immigrant had to wait anywhere between one to three years after he filed his declaration to file his petition for citizenship (also called second or final papers). Most often the petition was filed in a court nearest to the town where the immigrant settled. An | :#'''Petition.''' The immigrant had to wait anywhere between one to three years after he filed his declaration to file his petition for citizenship (also called second or final papers). Most often the petition was filed in a court nearest to the town where the immigrant settled. An Oath of Allegiance was also signed to pledge the immigrants allegiance to the Untied States and signa written oath. | ||
:#'''Certificate.''' After all requirements were completed, the immigrant was sworn in as a citizen and issued his or her certificate. The certificate is given from the same court the petition is filed in. Is called the Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization. | :#'''Certificate.''' After all requirements were completed, the immigrant was sworn in as a citizen and issued his or her certificate. The certificate is given from the same court the petition is filed in. Is called the Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization. | ||
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