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Naturalization Act of 1790
The Naturalization Act was a law passed by Congress that granted naturalization to any "free white person of good character". There was a two-year residency requirement in the United States and one year in the state of residence before an alien would apply for citizenship by filing a Petition for Naturalization. -
Removal Act of 1830
The Removal Act forces Native Americans to settle in Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River. -
Spanish American War
The Mexican American War ends, resulting in the U.S. acquiring additional territory and people under its jurisdiction. -
Dred Scott Decision
Supreme Court ruled that African Americans were not and could never be citizens. It also ruled that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional. -
The Homestead Act
Act that allows for any individual, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or country of origin, over the age of 21 or head of household to claim up to 160 acres of free land if they have lived on it for five years and made the required agricultural improvements. -
Emancipation Proclamation
The Emancipation Proclamation abolishes slavery and permits African-American men to join the Union Army. -
Plessy Vs. Ferguson
"Separate but equal" accommodations for African Americans deemed constitutional. This allowed for legalized segregation -
Alien Land Law
Rules that aliens are ineligible for citizenship ineligible to own land -
Ozawa V. United States
Rules that first-generation Japanese are ineligible for citizenship and cannot apply for naturalization. -
Native Americans
Native Americans granted full citizenship -
The Magnuson Act
Establishes quotas for Chinese immigrants and makes them eligible for U.S. citizenship. -
War Bride Act
Grants immigration of foreign-born wives, fiancés, and children of the US Armed Forces personnel. -
The Immigration and Nationality Act
Grants individuals of all races to be eligible for naturalization. -
The Civil Rights Act
Granted voting rights to African Americans and prohibits housing discrimination. -
The Immigration Act
The law abolished the National Origins Formula, which had been the basis of U.S. immigration policy since the 1920s. -
Cuban Refugee Act
Allowing Cuban natives or citizens in the United States to bypass standard immigration rules more quickly and easily obtain lawful permanent residency (often called a “green card”). The act also applies to non-Cuban spouses and children.