Last updated on: 1/30/2017 | Author: ProCon.org

July 14, 1870 – Naturalization Act of 1870 Extends Naturalization to Former Slaves

“The first Naturalization Act of 1790 limited the right of becoming a
naturalized citizen to ‘free white persons.’ Subsequent enactments,
legislated during the course of the nineteenth century, all included
this racial condition. After the Civil War, the Naturalization Act of
1870 extended the right of naturalization to former slaves, making
aliens of African birth and persons of African descent also eligible.”