Aliens then residing in the United States might be naturalized after two years’ residence.
This Act was fathered by James Madison, then a member of Congress.
President Jefferson, in his first message to Congress, advocated a revision of the Naturalization Law, to the end that “the general character and capabilities of a citizen be safely communicated to everyone manifesting a bona fide purpose of embarking his life and fortunes permanently with us.”
Accordingly the Jeffersonian Congress of 1802 repealed the Act of 1795, and enacted one[47] which remained substantially in force for more than a century. Its provisions, in the main, were as follows:
I. Naturalization jurisdiction was vested in the supreme, superior, district and circuit courts (a district court meaning any court of record having common-law jurisdiction) in the states and territorial districts and in the circuit and district courts of the United States.
II. The Declaration of Intention was still required, with the three years’ interval before final application.
III. Five years’ residence in the United States and one in the State was still required.
IV. Oath of allegiance to the United States, with specific renunciation of former allegiance.
V. Proof of good moral character and attachment to the principles of the United States.