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Are American Indians and Alaska Natives citizens of the United States?

Answer

Yes.  As early as 1817, U.S. citizenship had been conferred by special treaty upon specific groups of Indian people.  American citizenship was also conveyed by statutes, naturalization proceedings, and by service in the Armed Forces with an honorable discharge in World War I.  In 1924, Congress extended American citizenship to all other American Indians born within the territorial limits of the United States.  American Indians and Alaska Natives are citizens of the United States and of the individual states, counties, cities, and towns where they reside.  They can also become citizens of their tribes or villages as enrolled tribal members.

indianaffairs.gov

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