Questions and Topics for Discussion

The Federal Constitution.

The State Constitution.

How our Democracy came to be.

The citizen's share in the government.

Voting.

Citizenship.

How the people rule.

PART III-HOW TO BECOME A CITIZEN OF

THE UNITED STATES

LESSON I

NATURALIZATION

In Lesson XXVIII of Part II we read that aliens, that is, people of foreign birth, may become citizens of the United States.

The process by which they become citizens is called naturalization.

The process of naturalization is divided into four steps which the alien must take before he can be admitted to citizenship.

These four steps are:

1. Filing a Declaration of Intention.

2. Procuring and filling out a Preliminary Form for Petition for Naturalization.

3. Filing a Petition for Naturalization.

4. Appearing for a Final Hearing in the open court.

Naturalization papers may be obtained in the United States District Court, or in the applicant's County Court.1 Citizenship is granted to both men and women, to all free white people, and to those of African birth or descent.

In the court in the applicant's county which exercises naturalization jurisdiction.

It is not granted to polygamists, anarchists, or persons belonging to clubs or associations which teach their members not to believe in organized government.

The entire cost of naturalization is five dollars ($5.00). No money should be paid to any one except the clerk of the court.

Questions and Topics for Discussion

What is the process by which an alien becomes a citizen?
Into how many steps is naturalization divided? Name them.

Are these steps the same for all aliens?

How many steps have you taken?

Where may naturalization papers be obtained?

What is the name of the court in your county, at which naturalization papers may be obtained?

To whom may citizenship be granted?
What is the entire cost of naturalization?
To whom should the money be paid?

LESSON II

DECLARATION OF INTENTION

First Step

The Declaration of Intention, or "first paper" as it is sometimes called, may be obtained at any time after the alien comes to this country.

The person wishing to become a citizen must have reached the age of eighteen years or over.

He must fill out, or have filled out for him, a form called Facts for Declaration of Intention.1

The "Facts for Declaration of Intention" may be obtained at the United States District Court, or at the applicant's county court. A teacher or other person interested may obtain the forms for the alien.

The Facts for Declaration of Intention calls for the following information:

Full name.

Age in years.

Also known as (any other name used by the alien in this country). Occupation (work).

Color (white or negro).

Complexion (light, dark, or medium).

Height (feet, inches).

Weight (pounds).

Color of hair.

Color of eyes.

Any visible distinctive marks (marks that may be seen on hands or face).

Where born (city or town, country).

Date of birth (month, day, year).

Present residence (number and street, city or town, state).

Emigrated from (place where alien got on ship or train to come to the United States).

Name of the vessel on which he sailed.

Last place of foreign residence (city or town, country).

The alien must state whether or not he is married; the name of his wife; where she was born; and where she now lives.

He must name and renounce allegiance to the sovereign and country of which he is now a subject; or the republic of which he is a citizen.

He must name the port he arrived at, and the date of his arrival in the United States (month, day, year).

The above information should be given accurately, as a mistake may cause delay later. If you are not sure of all the facts try to obtain them from your relatives or friends here or in the country from which you came.

Form 2918

FACTS FOR DECLARATION OF INTENTION

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
NATURALIZATION SERVICE

NOTE-A copy of this form will be furnished by the clerk of the court, the Chief Naturalization Examiner, or the public-school teacher to each applicant for a declaration of intention, so that he can at his leisure all in the answers to the questions. After being filled out the form is to be returned to the clerk, to be used by him in properly filling out the declaration. Care should be used to state as near as can be remembered the day, month, and year of arrival, as well as the name of the vessel on which the allen emigrated to this country.

TO THE APPLICANT.-The fee of one dollar required by law for the declaration, must be paid to the clerk of the court before he commences to fill out the declaration of Intention. No fee is chargeable for this blank, and none should be paid for assistance in filling it out, as the Naturalization Examiner or the public-school teacher will help you free of charge.

Name of vessel:

(City or town.)

(Month.)

(Number and street.)

(Country.)

(Day.)

(Year.)

(City or town.)

(State, Territory, or District.)

(Country.)

(Place where allen got on ship or train to come to the United States.)

(If the alien arrived otherwise than by vessel, the character of conveyance or name of transportation company should be given.)

I am now a subject of and intend to renounce allegiance to

(Country.)

; she was

(Write name and title of sovereign and country of which now a subject; or if citizen of a Republic, write name of Republic only.)

NOTE TO CLERK OF COURT.-The two lines indicated by the contain information which is provided for by blanks on the latest declaration of intention form; until such time as you may be supplied with forms containing these blank spaces the information calied for herein should be inserted immediately ABOVE the twelfth line, which begins "It is my bona fide intention," etc., as requested in circular letter of January 5, 1916. 4-4

FACTS FOR DECLARATION OF INTENTION