This is from "Sedgwick County (KS) Naturalizations," a book I am keywording for my local Gen. Society. The introductions states: "Aliens, who were males twnty one years and older or single women over twenty one, were requied by law, during the period from 1870 through 1906, to have continuous residency within the United States for at least five years before being eligible for citizenship. Two years before applying for citizenship, an alien, first, made his "declaration of intention" to become a citizen and renounced his allegiance to his former country (first papers). Second, at the time of admission, took an oath to support the constitution of the United States. And third, upon proof of residency in the US at least five years, and within the state one year [(267) Sec. 2165], he was granted citizenship (final papers). "Each of the three steps could be heard before any federal, state, or local court of record. Therefore, an alien's papers may be found anywhere, in one or more courthouses, between his place of arrival and where he finally settled. Most, however, will be found in the US District Courts. "Alien wives, and their children under twenty one, automatically became citizens when their husbands were naturalized. If an alien had made his declaration of intention but died before receiving his final papers, hi widow and children could become citizens by taking the prescribed oaths. "Under the age of twenty one, aliens, who resided in the US three years before reaching the age of twenty one and continuously after that, could apply for citizenship without the usual two year waiting period following the declaration of intention, provided they had lived in the US at least five years [(267) Sec 2167]. And, if an alien, twenty one years or older, enlisted in the army and received an honorable discharge, he could become a citizen by making a declaration of intention and proving residency of one year in the US." Alice ------- USGenWeb Project County Coordinator for Seneca Co. OH http://www.rootsweb.com/~ohseneca/seneca.html List Manager for OHSENECA-L -----Original Message----- From: MaryAnn Payne <[email protected]> To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Date: Tuesday, August 15, 2000 12:37 PM Subject: Naturalization >Hi to all, > Does anyone know how long you had to be in this country before you >could be naturalized? > Thank you, >MaryAnn Payne > > > >