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Early Restrictions
The constitution clearly gives congress the power to make immigration policy. early in the natins history, congress declared a preference for immigrants from Europe. in 1970 it passed a law defining who could become a citizen if a person was not born here. -
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Heavy periods of immigration
One of the heaviest periods of immigratin in American history came between 1880 and 1920 when some 25 million immigrants arrieved. most came from the countries of southern and eastern Europe-- parts of the world that were unfamiliar to many americans. they saw these new immigrants as very different from themselves. -
The Chinese Exclusion Act
It said that no Chinese laborer could enter the united states for 10 years. Renewed several times, the act was in force until world war II. in that conflict, china was an American ally and congress repealed the law. -
Quota System
Congress sets up quotas favoring immigrants from northwestern Europe. -
Immigration Act
Expands the quota system. Immigratin from any country is limited to 2 percent of its total numbers in the 1890 cencus. -
Immigration reform act
The immigration reform act throws out the national origins system; now preference is given first to reunifying families and second to people whose skills help the U.S. -
Immigration Reform and Control Act
The immigratin reform and control act penalizes employes for knowingly hiring undocumented immigrants, but it gives amnesty to some undocumented immigrants, allowing them a path to eventually apply for citizenship. -
Immigation act of 1990
Set up special categories for war refugees or close relatives of American citizens. -
Immigration reform act of 1996
A new law expands the U.S. border patrol and stiffens penalities for false papers. -
2007 decision
The Senate voted the bill down, ending any chance of solving the immigration issue during Buches presidency.
