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Declaration of Independence
Full citizenship with voting rights is only granted to white men who own land. Citizenship—and all the rights that go along with it, including the right to vote—has been denied to African Americans, Indigenous peoples, and women. -
Naturalization Act
The first law on citizenship restricts naturalization to "free white persons" of "good character" who have lived in the U.S. for two years. African Americans, Indigenous people, and all other non-whites are not eligible for citizenship. -
13th Amendment (Abolition of Slavery)
It ends slavery but does not grant full citizenship rights to formerly enslaved African Americans, who remain disenfranchised in many states. -
14th Amendment (Birthright Citizenship)
Grants citizenship to “all persons born or naturalized in the United States,” including formerly enslaved people. This amendment establishes birthright citizenship and is a significant step toward inclusivity, though Indigenous peoples on tribal lands are not included. -
Naturalization Act Amendment
Extends naturalization eligibility to "aliens of African nativity and persons of African descent," but other non-whites, such as Asians, remain excluded from naturalization. -
Chinese Exclusion Act
Prohibits Chinese immigrants from becoming U.S. citizens and suspends Chinese immigration. This act institutionalizes racial exclusion in U.S. immigration policy, reflecting anti-Asian sentiment and labor concerns. -
19th Amendment (Women's Suffrage)
It grants women the right to vote, expanding citizenship rights and political representation for women across the country. Many women of color, particularly Indigenous and Asian American women, remain disenfranchised due to additional state laws and barriers. -
Indian Citizenship Act
Grants U.S. citizenship to all Native Americans born within the U.S. This act recognizes Native Americans as citizens, but many states continue to deny them voting rights. -
Repeal of Chinese Exclusion Act
Lifts the ban on Chinese immigration, making Chinese immigrants eligible for naturalization. Marks a shift away from explicitly race-based exclusionary immigration policies. -
Immigration and Nationality Act (McCarran-Walter Act)
Abolishes racial restrictions in naturalization laws, making all races eligible for citizenship. This act allows immigrants from Asia and other previously excluded groups to become U.S. citizens, though quotas limit overall immigration. -
Immigration and Nationality Act (Hart-Celler Act)
Abolishes the national origins quota system, opening immigration to a more diverse range of countries and expanding the pathways to citizenship. This act significantly diversifies the racial and ethnic makeup of immigrants and future citizens. -
Immigration Reform and Control Act
It provides a pathway to citizenship for certain undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. since before 1982. This marks a significant effort to address the status of undocumented immigrants, allowing them to gain legal residency and, eventually, citizenship. -
Ongoing Debates on Immigration and Citizenship
Laws and debates continue over pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and the rights of refugees and asylum seekers. The concept of citizenship remains dynamic, reflecting ongoing national conversations about inclusivity and rights.