Kickapoo Indians in Texas to Take Citizenship Oath : Members of Kickapoo Indian Tribe in Texas to Begin Taking Oath for U.S. Citizenship
Kickapoo Indians based in Eagle Pass will begin taking the oath for U.S. citizenship today, a U.S. immigration official said Wednesday.
Members of the tribe along the U.S.-Mexico border were awarded Mexican citizenship and a reservation many years ago. The tribe signed peace treaties with the United States in 1815, but was not recognized by this country until 1983, after many years of campaigning and lobbying.
The Kickapoos finally received recognition as a Texas Indian tribe in May.
Nakai Breen, spokeswoman for the tribe, said that at her last count there were 45 members who wished to take the citizenship oath. Those who do not wish to become citizens will be termed “permanent residents,” according to Mario Ortiz of the Immigration and Naturalization Service in Dallas.
Most of the Indians currently live in cane and cardboard huts beneath the International Bridge here.
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