As early as 1910, DAR members pioneered a program to assist immigrants become naturalized citizens. Since 1921 the DAR has compiled and published the DAR Manual For Citizenship (PDF). Over 12 million copies of this book have been given free to immigrants seeking American citizenship. The DAR awards the Americanism Medal which is given to an outstanding naturalized adult who has been a citizen for at least five years.

On local chapter and state organization levels, DAR members participate in naturalization ceremonies around the nation.

In 1923, the DAR realized the importance of providing occupations for the immigrants at Ellis Island, near the Statue of Liberty, and Angel Island, on the Pacific Coast, while they waited, often for months (because of legal technicalities concerning passports) to be admitted to this country.

DAR Members at Ellis Island volunteered with recent immigrants and at the Marine Hospital.

The DAR provided occupational therapists and supplies with which to make clothing, as well as a woodworking shop for the men. After Ellis Island and Angel Island were closed, the DAR continued occupational therapy work for 28 years at the Marine Hospital on Ellis Island, at the request of the U.S. Public Health Service.

To view and print the DAR Manual for Citizenship (PDF), please click here.