Who Can Become a Citizen? The History of U.S. Naturalization

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This educational video provides a comprehensive historical overview of United States citizenship, distinguishing it from immigration and exploring the legal frameworks that have defined who belongs in America. It begins by transporting viewers to Ellis Island in 1906 to set the scene, then clarifies the distinction between residency and citizenship. The narrator breaks down the three primary methods of acquiring citizenship: *jus sanguinis* (right of blood), *jus soli* (right of soil/birthright), and naturalization, explaining the legal origins and implications of each. The content dives deep into the historical barriers and challenges to citizenship faced by marginalized groups. It details the significance of the 14th Amendment and examines specific challenges to birthright citizenship, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act and the case of Wong Kim Ark, as well as the exclusion of Indigenous peoples until the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924. The video also critically examines the naturalization process for immigrants, highlighting how racial pseudoscience (like phrenology), fluctuating residency requirements, and arbitrary "good moral character" clauses were historically used to restrict access to citizenship. This resource is highly valuable for Civics and U.S. History classrooms as it helps students understand the evolving definition of "American." It directly addresses hard history, such as the use of pseudoscience to justify racism in policy-making and the specific exclusion of Chinese and Indigenous people. The video includes built-in pause points for reflection and note-taking, making it an interactive tool for exploring concepts of inclusion, exclusion, and the rights associated with citizenship.