Roger Sherman in the House of Representatives (February 3, 1790)

February 3, 1790.

Mr. Sherman thought that the interests of the State where the emigrant intended to reside ought to be consulted, as well as the interests of the General Government. He presumed it was intended by the Convention, who framed the Constitution, that Congress should have the power of naturalization, in order to prevent particular States receiving citizens, and forcing them upon others who would not have received them in any other manner. It was therefore meant to guard against an improper mode of naturalization,1 rather than foreigners should be received upon easier terms than those adopted by the several States.