Final answer:
Native Americans were not granted U.S. citizenship until the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, and many state laws continued to deny them voting rights until 1957. Citizenship status was originally exclusive to certain groups, and despite earning citizenship, the full scope of rights for Native Americans unfolded gradually over the 20th century.
Step-by-step explanation:
Contrary to the notion that Native Americans have always held U.S. citizenship status, history reveals a complex legal struggle. Native Americans did not become U.S. citizens until the passing of the Indian Citizenship Act in 1924, although even after this act, many Native American voting rights were still denied by state laws.
Initially regarded as sovereign nations, Native Americans were excluded from citizenship. It was only after cases like Elk v. Wilkins that the complex interplay between Native American sovereignty and U.S. citizenship was brought to light. Despite gaining citizenship in 1924, it wasn't until 1957 that discriminatory state laws denying them voting rights began to change.
Furthermore, there were historical incongruities such as the Fourteenth Amendment granting African Americans citizenship in 1868, but not Native Americans. After 1924, many states, such as Arizona and Utah, continued to hinder their right to vote with arguments about lack of state residency or non-payment of taxes. This demonstrates that full citizenship rights for Native Americans were not realized until decades after the 1924 act. Today, Native Americans are acknowledged as citizens and have voting rights, though challenges remain regarding treaty obligations and sovereignty.