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Illegal Immigration
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Massachusetts Requires Permission to Host Aliens
The General Court ordered that no town/person should recieve/host an alien without permission from the authorities. -
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Articles of Confederation Kept Citizenship/Naturalization of Immigrants Under States' Control
Each individual state was allowed to choose the ability of citizenship or naturalization of illegal immigrants because of the Articles of Confederation. -
Naturalization Act of 1795 Adds Rules to the Citizenship Process
Increased the period of residency required from 2 years to 5 years. Required applicants to declare their intentions to become a U.S. Citizen publicly. -
Supreme Court Rules that Congress Alone can Regulate Immigration
In the absence of any federal legislation, state governments could not regulate immigration, but Congress's jurisdiction could. -
Congress Establishes the First Federal Administrative Agency for the Regulation of Immigration
The first federal administrative agency for the regulation of immigration was established by Congress in the Treasury Department. -
Ellis Island Opens as Immigrant Entry Checkpoint
Over 12 million immigrants entered the U.S. through Ellis Island, in the New York Harbor. The Barge Office was used for processing immigrants. -
Naturalization Act Creates Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization
This act established the basic procedure for naturalization. -
U.S. Border Patrol Established with Labor Appropriation Act of 1924
Establishing the U.S. Border Patrol for the purpose of securing the borders between inspection stations. -
Nationality Act Unifies Nationality & Naturalization Laws
This law represents the first attempt made to unify the U.S. laws that relate to nationality and naturalization. -
9/11
Terrorist attacks prompt the U.S. Department of Defense to expand military support along our borders.