Evolution of the National Citizenry

  • Bill of Rights

    Established basic rights for American citizens.
  • Naturalization Act of 1790

    Grants citizenship by naturalization to free white persons of good character. Excluding African Americans, Asians, Native Americans and many more.
  • Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

    The United States of America and the Mexican Republic, is the peace treaty that was signed on 2 February 1848, in the Villa de Guadalupe Hidalgo between the United States and Mexico that ended the Mexican–American War. The treaty was ratified by the United States on 10 March and by Mexico on 19 May. The ratifications were exchanged on 30 May, and the treaty was proclaimed on 4 July 1848
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Guadalupe_Hidalgo
  • Fourteenth Amendment

    Grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States. Excluding African Americans, and Asians.
  • Naturalization Act of 1870

    Extends naturalization rights to African Americans, still, Asians are not included.
  • Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882

    The first law to ever formally deny a specific race American citizenship via immigration. This would not be undone until 1943.
  • United States v. Wong Kim Ark

    Supreme Court ruling that all children born in the United States are citizens. Regardless of their parent's citizenship or race.
  • Jones-Shafroth Act

    Grants citizenship to residents of Puerto Rico
  • Indian Citizenship Act

    Expands American citizenship to all Native Americans.
  • Alien Registration Act

    Requires all non-citizens to register through the government. Allows the president to deport individuals suspected of being a security threat.
  • Immigration and Nationality Act

    Eliminates race as a deciding factor for immigration
  • Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986

    Grants amnesty to all persons who entered the country before 01/01/1982