Symon Freeman did not apply to become a naturalized British citizen until 1915. This was the case with many immigrants: it was only the hostile attitude towards foreigners, generated by the First World War, that encouraged them to take up British citizenship.

It cost £5 to become naturalized, which was a serious deterrent to many poor immigrants. Naturalization societies sprang up in the East End, and members paid weekly subscriptions until they had saved the necessary funds.

On his naturalization certificate, Symon states that he wants to become a British citizen because of his loyalty to the Empire and because he wants the right to vote. According to his police report, he "speaks, reads and writes the English language fairly well".

Symon's application was successful. His progress to becoming a British citizen was very similar to that of thousands of his fellow Jews who left Russia and Poland in search of a better life in Britain.

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