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The Ambivalent History of Indigenous People and U.S. Citizenship

The article reflects on the centenary of the Indian Citizenship Act, emphasizing the complex history of Native American citizenship and sovereignty. It highlights that Native Americans were not granted citizenship until 1924, long after the Fourteenth Amendment promised it to all born in the U.S. This delay stemmed from longstanding fears that citizenship would undermine tribal sovereignty and expose Native Americans to taxes and land loss.

Historically, Native tribes were recognized as sovereign entities, but pressures grew in the 1820s when states attempted to impose their laws on Indigenous peoples, leading to significant legal battles, such as those involving the Cherokee Nation. The U.S. government enacted policies that forcibly removed tribes from their lands, exacerbating fears of citizenship.

The push for citizenship gained momentum post-Civil War, yet when the Indian Citizenship Act was finally enacted, it was largely a formality, as many Natives were already considered citizens under different laws. Some tribes outright rejected the Act, viewing it as a threat to their sovereignty.

Today, Indigenous Americans maintain a unique status, being citizens of their tribes, the U.S., and their states while continuing to navigate challenges to their sovereignty and rights.

Learn more: https://time.com/7026723/indian-citizenship-1924/