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Naturalization Act of 1790
Restricted naturalized citizenship to "free white persons" of good character. -
End of Slavery (13th Amendment)
Formerly enslaved individuals were freed, but they were not yet granted full citizenship rights. -
14th Amendment
Granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, including formerly enslaved people. -
Naturalization Act of 1870
Extended naturalization rights to individuals of African descent. -
Chinese Exclusion Act
Prohibited Chinese laborers from immigrating or becoming citizens, reflecting widespread racial discrimination. -
Women Gain the Right to Vote
Expanded voting rights to women, granting them fuller participation in citizenship. -
Indian Citizenship Act
Granted U.S. citizenship to all Native Americans born in the United States. -
Repeal of Chinese Exclusion Act
Allowed Chinese immigrants to become naturalized citizens, though quotas remained in place. -
McCarren-Walter Act
Ended racial restrictions on naturalization, allowing immigrants of all races to become U.S. citizens. -
Immigration and Nationality Act (Hart-Celler Act)
Abolished the national origins quota system, opening pathways for immigrants from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. -
Immigration Reform and Control Act
Granted amnesty to millions of undocumented immigrants. -
Ongoings Challenge
Continued efforts to expand pathways to citizenship for immigrants.