U.S. Naturalization Act

The original U.S. Naturalization Act was enacted on this date in 1790. It allowed immigrants to become naturalized citizens after a residency of two years, provided they were “free white persons of good character.” In 1795 the residency requirement was raised to five years and in 1798 it was increased to 14 years, before being lowered back to five years in 1802.

In 1870 the law was changed to make African immigrants eligible for naturalization and in the early 20th century Asian immigrants became eligible, although there were severe restrictions on immigration from China, including a complete ban from 1882 to 1943.

Prior to 1922 immigrants from any country in the Western Hemisphere had only a one-year residency requirement. In 1922 that preferential status was eliminated, so that today there is a five-year residency requirement for all prospective citizens.

The photo is of naturalized citizens taking the Oath of Allegiance at Monticello in 2018.