JOHN LAURANCE
Congress was debating the Naturalization Act of 1790. Laurance and many others (see {616376}) argued that there should be no qualification requirements on immigrants as every person coming to America added to the strength of the nation. Congress reached a compromise between those who favored unlimited naturalization and citizenship and those who wanted heavy restrictions. It required a 2 year residence, a certification of good character and an oath, modest by modern standards.
John Laurance (sometimes spelled "Lawrence" or "Laurence") was a delegate to the 6th, 7th and 8th Congresses of the Confederation, a United States Representative and United States Senator from New York and a United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the District of New York.
