How to become a United States citizen

This practical guide explains the path to United States citizenship under the naturalization laws in effect in 1926. It begins with the three principal stages: filing a declaration of intention, submitting a petition after the required residence period, and appearing at a final hearing to answer questions, take the oath of allegiance, and receive a certificate of citizenship.

The book walks applicants through “first papers,” eligibility requirements, court procedures, witnesses, language expectations, and the timing of each step. It also addresses how an applicant’s family may be affected, with separate discussions of women seeking naturalization and other special cases.

Later chapters consider how citizenship could be lost, provide notes on naturalization offices, and gather common questions and answers for review. Alongside its practical instructions, the guide offers a revealing look at the legal standards and assumptions surrounding immigration and citizenship in the United States during the 1920s.