| Naturalization is the act whereby an individual voluntarily | | | | court of law having common-law jurisdiction and a |
| and actively acquires citizenship, which is not his or her | | | | clerk and seal. |
| citizenship at birth. Naturalization is mostly common | | | | Until 1952, the Naturalization Acts allowed only white |
| among migrants who have immigrated to a country | | | | persons to become naturalized as citizens of the |
| and have willingly chosen to become a citizen of that | | | | United States. The initial parameters on naturalization |
| country after meeting specific requirements. | | | | were however set by the Naturalization Act of 1795 |
| The basic requirements for naturalization are full-time | | | | as 'free, white persons' who have been resident for |
| residency for a minimum period as required by the law, | | | | five years or more. The period of five years was |
| and a pledge to uphold that country's laws. In the | | | | extended to fourteen years in the Naturalization Act of |
| United States, the Congress has the authority to | | | | 1798, a part of the Alien and Sedition Acts. However, |
| prescribe a uniform rule of naturalization that is | | | | this was canceled in 1802. |
| overseen by state courts. State court refers to any | | | | |