Although some people learn of their derivative citizenship and obtain certificates of citizenship from USCIS, many more persons each year become United States citizens through the process of naturalization. During the past decade, around 750,000 new citizens have been naturalized each year.

Congress has authority over the substantive requirements and procedures concerning naturalization under Article I, § 8, clause 4, of the Constitution. From 1790 until 1952, congressional statutes generally...