Explore histories of migration, citizenship and belonging in Germany and the U.S. over the centuries.
1924
U.S. Citizenship Conferred on All Native Americans
In 1924, the Indian Citizenship Act granted U.S. citizenship to all Native Americans. Previously, some Native Americans had gained citizenship through military service, the Dawes Severalty Act, or intermarriage. The act wasn't driven by Native advocacy, but was designed to promote assimilation and reduce Native sovereignty. A major motivating factor was the military service of many Native Americans during World War I. Although this secured federal citizenship, discriminatory laws and practices at the state level often impeded their new right to vote.
...the President of the United States be, and he hereby is, authorized, whenever in his opinion any reservation or any part thereof of such Indians is advantageous for agricultural and grazing purposes, to cause said reservation, or any part thereof, to be surveyed, or resurveyed if necessary...
Library of Congress
