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Immigration Timeline
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English Settlers Immigrate to the "New World"
The English explorers came to colonize what is now called the United States of America. The first settlement was on James River in 1607. -
Importing of Slaves
As a part of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, African slaves first arrived in Jamestown, Virginia in 1619. -
Alien Naturalization Act
The first Alien Naturalization Act was created, which said only free white perons could be citizens of the United States of America. -
Slave Trade is Illegal
Congress and President Jefferson made foreign slave trade, but not domestic slavery, illegal. Any slaves smuggled into the United States after that, were considered "illegal immigrants." -
14th Amendment
United States Supreme Court rules that anyone born in the United States is a legal citizen as a part of the 14th amendment to the constitution. -
Expatriation Act
Women who marry foreigners in the United States are no longer considered legal citizens. -
Inspectors on U.S.-Mexico Border
The United States Congress authorizes mounted inspectors to guard the U.S.-Mexico Border. Any individuals found crossing the border illegally were sent to immigration services. -
Magnuson Immigration Act
This act allowed Chinese immigrants to become legal citizens in the United States. -
Immigration Act of 1990
Legal immigration to the United States is limited and revised all grounds for exclusion and deportation. -
Illegal Immigrant Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act
About 300,000 Central Americans living in the United States were allowed to become legal citizens. -
Secure Fence Act
The Secure Fence Act authorizes the building of a 700 mile long fence along the U.S.-Mexico border. -
SB 1070
Arizona bill SB 1070 was signed into law allowing police officers to stop anyone who they believed to "appear undocumented" and demand papers and proof of citizenship. -
Businesses Penalize Undocumented Workers
United States Supreme Court upholds a law that punishes businesses for hiring undocumented immigrants, threatening businesses wit revoking or suspending proffessional licenses. -
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
President Obama signs DACA to allow some undocumented immigrants, who came to the United States as children, to stay in the U.S. -
Obama Prevents Deportation
President Barack Obama took executive action to prevent the deportation of millions illegal immigrants. Republican party fights back against his action.
