-
First Federal Legislation on Immigration
Congress enacts the first federal legislation on immigration. Now, upon arrival at U.S ports, ships must provide a list including the name, age, sex, occupation, and country of origin for each passenger. More information here! -
The Mexican-American War Began
The Mexican-American War was a disbute between the two countries over territory. It resulted in a win for the United States. More information here! -
14th Amendment is Ratifed
The 14th Amendment was passed, giving “all persons born or naturalized in the United States” citizenship. This included African Americans and former slaves. More information here! -
Chinese Exclusion Act Passed
The Chinese Exclusion Act prohibited all immigration of Chinese laborers to the United States for ten years. This was the first significant law to restrict free and open immigration into our country. More information here! -
Immigration Act of 1917 Passed
The Immigration Act of 1917 was passed by Congress on this day. This act banned these people from migrating to the country: illiterates, “homosexuals”, “idiots”, “feeble-minded persons”, "criminals", “epileptics”, “insane persons”, alcoholics, “professional beggars”, all persons “mentally or physically defective”, polygamists, and anarchists. More information here! -
Immigration and Nationality Act Passed
The Immigration and Nationality Act was passed, stating that race may no longer be a reason to reject immigration or citizenship. Everyone must now be given equal treatment regardless of race or nationality. More information here! -
Hart-Celler Act Enacted
The Hart-Celler Act established two ceilings for immigration to the U.S. This included the eastern hemisphere, at 170,000, and the western hemisphere, at 120,000. Each individual country had a limit of 20,000 immigrants. More information here! -
Refugee Act Passed
The Refugee Act removes refugees as a preference category for immigration, and also changes the worldwide immigration ceiling to 270,000. More information here! -
Immigration Reform and Control Act Passed
The Immigration Reform and Control Act cracked down on illegal immigrants, by specifically only allowing employers to hire people who can legally work in the U.S. It requires employers to verify the identity of each employee using an I-9 form. More information here! -
Immigration Act of 1990 Passed
The Immigration Act of 1990 set a limit on unskilled workers: 10,000 per year. Priority continued for skilled labor requirements and immediate family reunification. More information here! -
Arizona Requires Proof of Citizenship to Get Driver's License
For the first time, Arizona would require proof of citizenship to obtain a state driver's license. To this day, driver's licenses are only considered valid if they were issued after this date. More information here! -
AZ Proposition 203 Passed
Arizona Proposition 203 passed on this day, making English Immersion the new requirement for public schools. Bilingual education was now banned. More information here! -
USA Patriot Act Passed
USA Patriot Act set more specific bans on admission and deportation due to terrorist activities. More infomation here! -
AZ Proposition 200 Passed
Arizona Proposition 200 denies public benefits to those who are in the country illegally. -
AZ SB 1070 Law Signed
Arizona's SB1070 is a controversial law, allowing officials with reasonable suspicion to ask anyone for their documentatation, and making it illegal not to have that documentation on you at all times. More information here!
