The U.S. Congress declares that all American Indians (Native Americans) born in the U.S. to be American citizens with the passage of the Indian Citizenship Act. It marked the first time American Indians could vote in national elections. In many states, like Arizona and New Mexico, American Indians were not allowed to vote in state or local elections based on their federal trust relationship and special status under federal law. It wouldnt be until 1948 that Arizona would allow Navajos the right to vote, and it wont be until 1953 that New Mexico, and 1957 that Utah, grant Navajos the right to vote. Because American Indians were not citizens until 1924, 19th- and early 20th-century census takers did not count American Indians for congressional representation. Instead, the government took special censuses in connection with Indian treaties. But always from time immemorial, American Indians and their ancestors were citizens of their respective Nations. U.S. States still dont have jurisdiction over tribal lands.
Posted on: Tue, 03 Jun 2014 07:46:58 +0000
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