Are American Indians U.S. citizens?
Not until 1924 were all American Indians granted citizenship. Before this juncture only individuals who were members of federally recognized tribes and “naturalized” individuals were given the rights of a United States citizen. Presently all American Indians born within the territorial limits of the United States are by law citizens. American Indians have had the privilege of voting in national elections since 1924; however, until recently some states prohibited American Indians from voting in local elections. New Mexico, for example, did not extend the vote to American Indians until 1962. Most native people, of course, also are members of their respective sovereign tribes.