It was much easier to become a citizen in the early 1900's. A person only had to live in the USA for two years. If a married man became a citizen his wife and children also became citizens. Any judge could grant the citizenship.

It is much harder today. A person must reside in the USA five years before starting the process. It then takes several years to get through the courts. It is also very expensive.

This is why so many want to see new laws put in place to speed up the length of time and expense so that more can become legal.