This form shows the types of documents that can be used to show a tribal citizen was born in Arizona. Source: Arizona Department of Health Services

The Arizona Department of Health Services has made it easier for tribal citizens to secure birth certificates.

Tribal members were granted U.S. citizenship in 1924 and, by extension, citizenship in the state. But up until 1970, most on-reservation births were never recorded with the state.

That made it extremely difficult for many tribal citizens to obtain photo identification cards, passports and other documentation. Now they only have to provide two documents to show they were born in the state under a policy that became effective in September.

“With the new policy statement, the tribal members have clear guidance about what kinds of tribal documents to include in their application,” Will Humble, the director of the Arizona department, told the Associated Press.

The process can be completed via mail.

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Policy helps tribal members get birth certificates (AP 11/14)