(+) The Process of Naturalization in the U.S. by George G. Morgan

The following article was written by and is copyright by George G. Morgan. Please do not copy or forward to others without the author's permission.

Our ancestors made some difficult choices. They left their native lands, their families and friends, and many of the traditions and possessions that were dear to them in order to seek a better life for themselves. The world was a very different place a hundred years ago, much less five hundred years ago, and it is important to consider the fear, apprehension, and uncertainty with which our ancestors faced the prospect of leaving towns which perhaps they had never left before, much less venturing thousands of miles to another part of the world. Desperation, fear, poverty, starvation, depression, and many other reasons were motivating factors in their migration and emigration. But once they had made the journey, they exhibited sometimes heroic courage in accepting and adapting to their new circumstances. They labored long and hard to forge a new life and to provide for the comfort and sustenance of themselves, their families, and their communities.

As our forebears began their new lives in new communities, they would strive to “fit in” and to normalize in the new environment. Many realized they would never return to their past lives, and they eagerly embraced their new circumstances. This meant renouncing their political ties to their motherland and making application to become citizens of their new country.

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