Country of Arrival Records - Naturalization Records Pt. 2 When searching for records, it's best to familiarize yourself with the naturalization laws for that time period. These laws changed quite frequently throughout history. What is a 'residency requirement'? That was how long the immigrant had to reside within the US or the state before he could file his Petition for Citizenship. Some states, not all, required an immigrant to reside within its borders for a set amount of time. In 1789, the US Constitution put the power to set laws for naturalization within the legislative branch of the federal government. Major changes to naturalization laws were: Act of March 26, 1790: The US residency requirement was set at 2 years and state residency requirement to 1 year. Aliens who were 'free whites' were able to naturalize. This did *not* include indentured servants, slaves and women. (Women were considered dependents.) Act of January 29, 1795: The 1790 Act was repealed. US residency was raised to 5 years. This Act also required the Declaration of Intent to be filed 3 years prior to the Petition for Citizenship. Naturalization Act of June 18, 1798: The US residency requirement was raised to 14 years. Naturalization Act of April 14, 1802: The US residency requirement was lowered to 5 years. Requirements for citizenship for firmly set in place: good moral character, allegiance to the US Constitution, a formal Declaration of Intent must be filed and there must be a character witness. Act of May 26, 1824: Immigrants who were minors upon arrival in the US, could wait 2 years for naturalization, rather than 3 years. Naturalization Act of July 14, 1870: Naturalization laws were extended to include immigrants from Africa and those of African descent. Chinese Exclusion Act of May 6, 1882: Chinese were legally prohibited from naturalizing. This Act was repealed in 1943. Act of March 3, 1887: Only US citizens (native-born or naturalized) could own land. Naturalization Act of June 29, 1906: Stated that the English language must be a requirement to citizenship. Required a uniform naturalization process. Act of May 22, 1918 "Enemy and Departure Control Act": Allowed President to control the entry and/or departure of any alien who was deemed a threat to public safety during times of war or national emergency. NOTE: After 1906, all naturalizations took place in the supreme court of the county. NEXT: Exceptions to the Naturalization Laws