Download this handy list of Major US Naturalization Laws from 1790-2005. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) compiled this useful list, available at no charge.

Major US Naturalization Laws

More than 27 naturalization acts were passed by Congress between 1790–1952. Men and women were treated differently under these laws. And, among many changes, these laws often shifted residency periods and application processes.

Find more records in your naturalization research with this simple idea. Find the prevailing federal laws for your immigrant ancestors, when they might have been naturalizing.

As an aid, download the legislation timeline NARA has prepared here: “Major United States Laws Relating to Immigration and Naturalization: 1790-2005.”

New Naturalization Presentation

On Wednesday at NGS, I’m presenting on understanding changing requirements for US naturalization and citizenship of female ancestors.

US citizenship and attendant rights for women could be fragile, depending on marital status, prevailing laws, social norms, and other factors. Whether you’re missing a naturalization record or finding an unexpected one, “Finding Females in US Naturalization and Citizenship Records” helps you discover how women — both foreign-born and birthright — gained, lost, or regained citizenship in the United States. This session is in person in Sacramento.

Interested in booking this presentation as a webinar for your group? Contact me here.


US Naturalization and Citizenship Records e-Book

US Naturalization and Citizenship RecordsDidn’t make it to NGS this year? You can discover new ways to find and use naturalization records in my new Sassy Jane e-book.

Coming out later this summer, the US Naturalization and Citizenship Records e-book covers US naturalization and citizenship legislation and records. Knowing these requirements is helpful to track male immigrant ancestors.

For female immigrants, this research strategy is critical. US citizenship and attendant rights for women could be fragile, depending on marital status, prevailing laws, social norms, and other factors.

Missing a naturalization record or finding an unexpected one? The US Naturalization and Citizenship Records e-book helps you discover how women — both foreign-born and birthright — gained, lost, or regained citizenship in the United States. Click here to be notified when this new Sassy Jane Genealogy e-book is available.

For More Information

Understanding major US Naturalization laws is key to finding out more about your immigrant ancestors. Have more questions about this complex but satisfying research? Let me know here.