From 1790 to 1906, the documentation needed to naturalize changed. A Declaration of Intention, commonly called the “first papers,” included an oath of allegiance and proof of residency. This was the first step to becoming a United States citizen.
Read MoreWelcome to the Land of Freedom - an ocean steamer passing the Statue of Liberty: scene on the steerage deck of the Germanic. Illustrated in Leslie's newspaper, 2 July 1887. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.
