Evolution of the national citizenry

By jasminetai

  • Naturalization

    Naturalization Act of 1790 restricts citizenship excluding Native Americans, enslaved Africans, and other non-white groups.

  • The 14th Amendment

    Ratification of the 14th Amendment grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, overturning the previous exclusionary policies.

  • 15th Amendment

    Passage of the 15th Amendment grants voting rights to African American men, though discriminatory practices such as poll taxes and literacy tests persist.

  • Chinese Exclusion Act

    Chinese Exclusion Act bars Chinese immigrants from citizenship and immigration, reflecting anti-Asian sentiment and labor competition fears.

  • U.S. Immigration

    Late 19th to early 20th century, Immigration from Europe, including Irish, Italian, Jewish, and Eastern European immigrants, contributes to the diversity of the American population.

  • Immigration Act

    Immigration Act of 1924 establishes national origin quotas, favoring immigrants from Northern and Western Europe while limiting immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe, as well as Asia.

  • Executive Order

    Executive Order 9066 authorizes the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, violating their civil liberties and citizenship rights.

  • Brown vs. Board

    Brown vs Board of Education ends legal segregation in public schools, a milestone in the Civil Rights Movement challenging racial discrimination and segregation.

  • Immigration and Nationality Act

    Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 abolishes national origin quotas, prioritizing family reunification and skilled immigrants, leading to increased immigration from Asia, Latin America, and Africa.

  • Loving v. Virginia

    Loving v. Virginia strikes down laws banning interracial marriage, affirming the rights of interracial couples and challenging racial segregation.

  • Immigration Reform and Control Act

    Immigration Reform and Control Act grants amnesty to undocumented immigrants and strengthens border enforcement, impacting the rights and status of immigrant communities.

  • 1990s

    Passage of laws such as the Civil Rights Act of 1991 and the Violence Against Women Act (1994) addresses discrimination and violence based on race, ethnicity, gender, and other factors.

  • 21 Century

    Ongoing debates and legal battles over immigration policy, affirmative action, voting rights, and systemic racism continue to shape citizenship rights and inclusion in American society.