History

By claudiaa.rod

  • Naturalization Act of 1790

    This was the first law regulating the naturalization of foreign-born Americans. This was a way for citizenship under this act, people had to have lived in the US for at least two years. However, it was under a specific condition that applicants had to be "free white persons" and have "good moral character." Not all races could apply for this they excluded free African Americans, slaves, Asians, inducted servants, and Native Americans.

  • Naturalization Act of 1795

    This replaced the earlier Naturalization Act of 1790. Increased the period of required residents in the US from two years to five years. Introduced the Declaration of Intention, also known as the "first papers." People had to apply at least three years before they formally applied for citizenship. All naturalized persons were required to be “attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States” and be “well disposed to the good order and happiness of the same.”

  • Naturalization Act of 1798

    Superseded the 1795 Act. They Extended the residency requirement to an astonishing 14 years and increased the notice period to five years. This Act significantly restricted the path to citizenship for immigrants.

  • Naturalization Act of 1802

    Replaced the 1798 Act. Restored the residency and notice requirements of the 1795 Act. Meaning that the requirement was once again set to five years.

  • Irish immigration

    Economic conditions and the devastating Potato Famine in Ireland led to a massive influx of Irish immigrants to the United States. Boston, as a major port city, witnessed a surge in Irish arrivals.

  • The Dred Scott on African Amercian Citizenship

    Dred Scott's decision denied Black people, whether free or enslaved, the right to claim U.S. citizenship and petition for their freedom in federal courts.

  • Polish and Russian Immigration

    The intertwined stories of Polish and Russian immigrants contribute to the rich tapestry of American history. The Polish were having economic problems, so they wanted more work and a better place to live. Russians later joined because they were facing poverty.

  • The 14th Amendment

    The 14th Amendment was passed after the Civil War, and extended American citizenship to people born in the U.S. This included recently emancipated slaves, making a significant step forward in recognizing African American rights.

  • Naturalization Act of 1870

    Allowing African Americans to become U.S. citizens. However, it still excluded Chinese immigrants from naturalization. Chinese immigrants faced discrimination and they were not allowed citizenship rights.

  • Italian Immigration

    Around 300,000 arrived in the U.S.

  • Women’s Suffrage and Citizenship

    The 19th Amendment granted to women's right to vote, significantly expanding their role as citizens. This was a milestone in the fight for women's equal rights and citizenship.

  • Immigration and Nationality Act

    The Immigration and Nationality Act abolished the discriminatory national origins quota system. This was a shift towards a more inclusive approach.

  • Post 9/11 Surveillance

    America could be monitored by the FBI in the name of national security