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First permanent English settlement
Jamestown, Virginia, was established. Initially, only English settlers (white, male landowners) were considered citizens with political rights. -
Declaration Of Independence
Declares the 13 colonies independent from Britain. Citizenship rights largely limited to white male property owners. Women, enslaved people, Native Americans, and free Black individuals were excluded from full citizenship rights. -
U.S Constitution
The Constitution establishes a framework for citizenship, but does not define it clearly. It includes a compromise on slavery, with enslaved individuals counted as three-fifths of a person for representation purposes. Native Americans are largely excluded. -
Naturalization Act
Defines citizenship eligibility for free white persons of good character. This excludes non-white individuals and immigrants. -
Trail of Tears
Forced relocation of Native Americans from their ancestral lands, reflecting their exclusion from American citizenship and rights. -
Dred Scott v. Sandford
Supreme Court decision that denies citizenship and rights to African Americans, declaring that they are not citizens and cannot sue in federal court. -
13th Amendment
Abolishes slavery. While it grants freedom to formerly enslaved people, full citizenship rights are still contested. -
14th Amendment
Grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S., including formerly enslaved people. However, discriminatory practices and Jim Crow laws still restrict their rights. -
Chinese Exclusion Act
Prohibits Chinese laborers from entering the U.S. and denies them citizenship, reflecting racial discrimination against Asian immigrants. -
Plessy v. Ferguson
Supreme Court decision upholding racial segregation under the "separate but equal" doctrine, which institutionalizes discrimination against African Americans. -
19th Amendment
Grants women the right to vote, marking a significant expansion of citizenship rights. -
Japanese American Internment
During WWII, Japanese Americans are forcibly relocated to internment camps, showing racial exclusion despite their citizenship. -
Brown v. Board of Education
Supreme Court decision overturns Plessy v. Ferguson, declaring racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, advancing civil rights. -
Civil Rights Act
Prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, marking a significant step towards racial equality and the expansion of civil rights. -
Voting Rights Act
Prohibits racial discrimination in voting, aiming to eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans and other marginalized groups. -
26th Amendment
Lowers the voting age to 18, recognizing the rights of younger citizens. -
Immigration Reform and Control Act
Provides a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who entered the U.S. before 1982 and have lived here continuously. -
Immigration Act
Revises immigration policies, increasing legal immigration limits and addressing issues of discrimination. -
Ongoing Debates on Citizenship and Immigration
Continued discussions and policy changes regarding undocumented immigrants, citizenship pathways, and voting rights reflect ongoing evolution in American citizenship. -
Obergefell v. Hodges
Supreme Court decision that legalizes same-sex marriage nationwide, expanding the definition of citizenship and equal rights.