CONTENT WARNING
Materials in the Library of Virginia’s collections contain historical terms, phrases, and images that are offensive to modern readers. These include demeaning and dehumanizing references to race, ethnicity, and nationality; enslaved or free status; physical and mental ability; and gender and sexual orientation.
Context
As a young man Anthony Rosenstock (1833–1906) left his home in what is now Germany and sailed from Hamburg to New York City, arriving in November 1853. When he landed, he had three cents and a letter of introduction to a distant relation. He eventually settled in Petersburg, Virginia, where he opened a dry goods store, Temple of Fancy, in 1858. The next year he established A. Rosenstock & Co., one of the first department stores in Virginia. Forced to close during the Civil War, he reopened it in 1866. Rosenstock was successful in business and became a civic and religious leader in Petersburg, serving as president of Congregation Rodef Sholem and as a director of the National Bank of Petersburg as well as other business entities. He was naturalized as a United States citizen on June 17, 1869, which is recorded in this document, and he subsequently brought members of his extended family to live and work in the United States.
Naturalization is the process of granting citizenship privileges and responsibilities to foreign-born residents. During much of the 19th century, naturalization requirements for immigrants included residing in the United States for five years, having a "good moral character," and that applicants be "free white persons." Applicants had to publicly declare their intention to become citizens three years before seeking citizenship. To become citizens, applicants such as Anthony Rosenstock and the other men listed here had to go before a local, state, or federal court to renounce any allegiance to a foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty and to take an oath of allegiance to the United States Constitution.
Beginning in 1906, the federal government began to regulate the naturalization process through the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (now the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services or USCIS). In the 21st century, applicants for citizenship have to have resided in the United States for five years, be of good moral character, and have to pass tests showing that they have an understanding of U. S. history and government and can speak, read, and write basic English.
Citation: Petersburg Hustings Court Minute Book, 1869–1872, p. 5, Library of Virginia.
Naturalization is the process of granting citizenship privileges and responsibilities to foreign-born residents. During much of the 19th century, naturalization requirements for immigrants included residing in the United States for five years, having a "good moral character," and that applicants be "free white persons." Applicants had to publicly declare their intention to become citizens three years before seeking citizenship. To become citizens, applicants such as Anthony Rosenstock and the other men listed here had to go before a local, state, or federal court to renounce any allegiance to a foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty and to take an oath of allegiance to the United States Constitution.
Beginning in 1906, the federal government began to regulate the naturalization process through the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (now the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services or USCIS). In the 21st century, applicants for citizenship have to have resided in the United States for five years, be of good moral character, and have to pass tests showing that they have an understanding of U. S. history and government and can speak, read, and write basic English.
Citation: Petersburg Hustings Court Minute Book, 1869–1872, p. 5, Library of Virginia.
Standards
CE.3, GOVT.3, VUS.8
Suggested Questions
Preview Activity
Look at it: Reading over the naturalization document in the Petersburg records, what are the requirements specified for citizenship? To what extent do you think any or all of these requirements are pertinent today?
Post Activity
Think about it: Today candidates for United States citizenship are required to take a government and history test and a language test demonstrating proficiency in English reading and writing (see descriptions of the tests online at the Citizenship Resource Center). Along with other requirements, most candidates have to pass both tests before they can be considered for naturalization. In your opinion, how fair or unfair is the requirement to pass both these tests? Be specific with your answer.
Look at it: Reading over the naturalization document in the Petersburg records, what are the requirements specified for citizenship? To what extent do you think any or all of these requirements are pertinent today?
Post Activity
Think about it: Today candidates for United States citizenship are required to take a government and history test and a language test demonstrating proficiency in English reading and writing (see descriptions of the tests online at the Citizenship Resource Center). Along with other requirements, most candidates have to pass both tests before they can be considered for naturalization. In your opinion, how fair or unfair is the requirement to pass both these tests? Be specific with your answer.