CBD786 wrote:
> 
> I am interested in knowing if in the above periods there was a waiting period
> after arriving is America before one could apply and qualify for US
> Citizenship.

I served as Border Patrol Agent (Immigration Officer) (78-84) so I'm
counting on my memory:

No, there was probably no waiting period since the US didn't try to
control immigration 'til late 1800s and really started writing
immigration laws after the turn of the century.  Generally, women
couldn't _become- citizens since there was no advantage (no voting
right, hold office, etc.)

  Also were there applications that needed to be filled out. Many
> archives have told me that they are not aware of any such applications.

How they sorted eligible voters (citizens) from the general population
is a mystery to me; I know of no such applications until 1914 or so (I
have my books packed away)

  I
> have an original completed application by grandfather 5 generations back in
> the state of Georgia.

I believe that your grandfather had an application (and would like to
see it just for historical purposes) but, depending upon date, I think
he likely petitioned the federal court for citizenship rather than
completing a generic application as today.  I may be completely wrong
since my immigration law courses were organized for person we might
encounter who were _living_.  Without sounding too flippant, immigration
law is very complex, without rhyme or reason, and based upon no
particular principle.  These laws change with the weather, politics, and
national mood.  I'd guess that your grandfather had to prove he was of
good character, without conviction of crimes involving moral turpitude,
and at least some residence requirement.  You can't "walk off the boat
and ask to be a citizen."

Not much help, I know, but five generations ago things were obviously
VERY different from today.  I'd guess, also, that your grandpa had a
PURPOSE to become a citizen (hold office, federal employment, ???).  The
only tangible advantage to citizenship back then was the vote, unless he
did a lot of international travel and wanted to be protected by the
American flag.

Tom

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