For centuries, Native Americans existed on the very lands that would become the United States—yet were systematically denied the rights and recognition of citizenship. Despite treaties, wars, and shifting borders, Native peoples remained classified as “foreign nations” within their own ancestral homelands. This exclusion wasn’t just a matter of law; it was a social reality that shaped generations. Understanding the long and difficult path toward citizenship is crucial to appreciating the significance of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 and the ongoing struggle for Native rights in America.
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