§ V. On Aliens

Aliens are called all who lack the right of citizenship, which among us one can have in a twofold way, namely: 1st, naturally, or by title of birth; 2nd, legally, if he has fulfilled the formalities required by law. And these formalities are: 1st, that after one has dwelt for three years in the United States he declare that his mind is to acquire the right of citizenship; 2nd, that he has dwelt for at least one year in the State where there is the Court to which he has recourse; 3rd, that he have testimony concerning honesty of life; 4th, that he make a declaration, confirmed by oath, that he will adhere to the American Constitution. But the children of those who thus acquire the right of citizenship, if they are minors and dwell in these States at the time when the parents acquire that right, become citizens by the fact itself. - Moreover, aliens are not able to contract concerning immovable goods validly and without restriction, and their heirs are always in danger lest they be deprived of those goods. - Nevertheless they can freely contract: 1st, for carrying on commerce; 2nd, concerning movable goods; 3rd, also concerning immovable goods within the five-year period before their admission among citizens, and in those things which are necessary for the use of these goods. Cf. Kent, Comment. vol. 2, part 4, lect. 25, nn. 49 and 62. - Wells, Every Man, etc., p. 116.