State Historical Society of Iowa

Citizenship Act, June 2, 1924

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Courtesy of U.S. Congress, "Chap. 233 - An Act To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to issue certificates of citizenship to Indians," 2 June 1924

Description

This 1924 act by Congress granted citizenship to all American Indians born in the United States. However, the right to vote was governed by state law. Until 1957, some states barred American Indians from voting.

Transcript of the Citizenship Act of 1924

Source Dependent Questions

  • Why would it be important for American Indians to be recognized as citizens of the United States?
  • If American Indians were not considered citizens, discuss reasons why Iowa allowed the Meskwaki to purchase land in 1856.

Citation Information

"Chap. 233 - An Act To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to issue certificates of citizenship to Indians," 2 June 1924. Courtesy of U.S. Congress Courtesy of Library of Congress