Naturalization Law of 1802

The United States Congress passed the Naturalization Law of 1802 on April 14, 1802. The 1802 act replaced the Naturalization Act of 1798, and provided:

• The "free white" requirement remained in place
• The alien had to declare, at least three years in advance, his intent to become a U.S. citizen.
• The previous 14-year residency requirement was reduced to 5 years.
• Resident children of naturalized citizens were to be considered citizens
• Children born abroad of US citizens were to be considered citizens
• Former British soldiers during the "late war" were barred unless the state legislature made an exception for them