Existing comment:
Early Laws
Steps to Citizenship:
The Naturalization Act of 1790 allowed "free white persons" who had lived in the United States for two years, and in a particular state for one year, to apply for citizenship. A "person of good character" could take an oath and become a citizen. Children of naturalized citizens under age 21 were considered citizens. Women could become citizens, but their citizenship did not mean they could vote. Later, Chinese, and eventually other Asians, were categorized as "non-white" and thus ineligible for citizenship. |