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US Constitution is signed
The US Constitution is signed and thus the start of citizenship. Initially, this was determined by state laws. Groups such as women, slaves, native Americans, and even men who did not own property were often not legally considered citizens. -
Naturalization Act
all free white people became USA citizens, as long as they had "good" standing. -
Dred Scott v Sandford
The Supreme Court ruled on Dred Scott v Sandford stating no African Americas whether freed or enslaved could become citizens, explicitly denying their citizen rights. -
Abolition of Slavery (13th Amendment)
Abolished slavery, however, still denied citizenship to African Americans though they were now all free. -
14th Amendment
allowed all individuals born or naturalized in the US to become citizens, even formerly enslaved people, giving African Americans citizenship, yet still excluding Native Americans, -
Naturalization Act of 1870
Allowed African Americans and individuals coming from Africa to be naturalized, -
Indian Citizenship Act
Granted citizenship to all Native Americans born within the U.S. borders. -
Immigration and Nationality Act
Allowed more people to come to the USA and become citizens, regardless of race or native country. Eliminated laws in place to prevent Asians from immigrating to the US, or becoming naturalized US citizens.