Exploring America’s Diversity: Miguel Miñan (Intermediate)

Questions About the Ship

1. What was the name of the ship Miguel Miñan arrived on?
2. What city or country did the ship come from?
3. What year did the ship arrive in America?

Questions About Miguel Miñan

1. What number row is Miguel Miñan listed on?
2. How old was Miguel Miñan when he came to America?
3. What was his job (Hint: see calling or occupation)?
4. Was he able to read and write?
5. What was his nationality and race?
6. What was his final destination in America?
7. How much money did he have when he came to America?

Open-Ended Questions About Passenger Arrival

1. Looking at the top of each column, scan the other questions that U.S. immigration officials asked. What do you think was the most interesting question? Why do you think they asked it?
2. Scan the details of the other passengers on board the same ship as Miguel Miñan. Are there any similarities or differences between the passengers? Are there any apparent trends?

Questions About Miguel Miñan's Neighborhood

1. In 1930, in what state and city did Miguel Miñan live?
2. What street did he live on in 1930?

Questions About Miguel Miñan's Household

1. What number row is Miguel Miñan listed on?
2. Who is listed as “Head” of Household; on what line is the “Head” listed?
3. Who else was Miguel Miñan living with in 1930?
4. Did he rent or own his home? What was the cost?
5. Did he have a radio set at home?

Questions About Miguel Miñan

1. Was Miguel Miñan married? If so, how old was he when he married?
2. What language (or mother tongue) did Miguel speak before coming to the United States?
3. What did he do for a job in 1930? (Hint: See occupation and industry.)

Open-Ended Questions About Census

1. Looking at other people on the census record, what can you tell about this neighborhood?
2. Are there any similarities or differences between the residents?
3. Are there any apparent trends?

Questions About Miguel Miñan

1. What district court did Miguel Miñan declare his intent to naturalize in?
2. What was his street address when he naturalized?
3. What was his occupation?
4. What was his eye and hair color?
5. What was his height and weight?
6. What was his race and nationality?
7. In what city and country was Miguel Miñan born?
8. What was his birthday?
9. Did he change his name after arriving in the United States?
10. What year did he declare his intent to become a U.S. citizen?

Open-Ended Question about Naturalization

1. Read the citizenship oath located in the paragraph directly above Miguel Miñan's signature (starting with "I will..."). What do you think is most interesting about this oath? Explain.