On the contrary, new immigrant men (women were finally allowed to apply for naturalization on their own in 1924), had to file 1st & 2nd Declarations of Intent & then pass character & knowledge tests before final naturalization. The process took 5-7 years or more, depending upon the laws current at the time. I've found my great-grandfather & grandfather's documents while doing family history. It is exciting to see their actual signatures from over 100 years ago!!