Evolution of the National Citizenry

Jamestown Settlement

1607

In 1607 the first permanent English settlement was created in modern day Virginia, the first step to the creation of the eventual United States.

First Slaves Arrive in Jamestown

1619

This dates marks when the first slaves arrived in the Jamestown settlement. This marks the beginning of a long struggle for black American citizenry.

United States Constitution

Sep 17, 1787

The US Constitution was signed in 1787. The Constitution esatblished rules of the land (parts were later added to define citizenship).

Naturalization Act of 1790

Mar 26, 1790

This act officially granted citizenship to any white person/European immigrant that resided in America for 2 years or more.

Citizenship Regarding the Mexican-American War

Feb 2, 1848

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American War and also granted the Mexicans living in the conquered territory to choose America citizenship or Mexican citizenship.

End of Slavery

Dec 18, 1865

The 13th Amendment officially abolished slavery but, it must be noted that it did not grant citizenry to those African Americans.

14th Amendment

Jul 9, 1868

The 14th amendment commanded that all people born in the United States be granted citizensip. Even black Americans that would be born in America would be granted citizenship.

Naturalization Act of 1870

Jul 14, 1870

This act granted all former slaves citizenship but, but did not grant other non-whites citizenship (i.e. Asians).

Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882

May 6, 1882

This act officially banned all immigration to the United States from countries in Asia.

Emergency Quota Act

May 19, 1921

This was the first act enacted to limit the number of immigrants that were allowed to migrate to America annually. This act greatly diminished immigration numbers.

Indian Citizenship Act

Jun 2, 1924

This law extended citizenship to Native Americans.

Immigration and Nationality Act

Jun 27, 1952

This officially ceased race from a determining factor in the granting of citizenship to immigrant. Asians could could become citizens.

Immigration and Nationality Act

Jan 15, 1965

The Hart-Celler act eliminated the quota system that was put into place in the past.

Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986

Jun 6, 1986

This act made it illegal for employers to knowingly hire illegal immigrants to work for their company.