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Naturalization Act of 1790
More information available here. This act gave certain requirements for the naturalization of immigrants. This limited citizenship to people whowere "free white persons" of "good character" . This act left out any free backs, asians, native americans, etc. -
Act Prohibits Importation of Slaves
More information available hereThis madeit so no new slaves were allowed to be imported into the United States. -
Irish Potato Famine
http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/historyonline/irish_potato_famine.cfmCrops failed and forced many people to immigrate to America. -
California Gold Rush
More information on the California Gold Rush The Clifornia Gold rush was whatsparkedthe first immigration from China. -
Emancipation Proclamation
http://www.civilwarinteractive.com/DocsEmancipationProclamation.htmThe Emancipation Proclamation abolished slavery and allows African American males to join the Union Army. -
First Contract Laborers Allowed
More informationIn 1864 congress decided to allow laborers to be imported in. -
Italian Immigration
For a longer description, click here. Nearly 4 million Italians immigrated to the United States. This was due to a troubled economy and crop failure. -
Chinese Exclusion Act
For a period of 10 years, Chinese immigration is restricted.
http://ocp.hul.harvard.edu/immigration/timeline.html -
Ellis Island Opens
http://www.ellisisland.org/default.asp?SID=2188&gclid=CMvH6_Ow_7MCFUjZQgodiGQABQEllis Island was opened on January 1,1892 and was built of wood. This was a place for immigrant inspection. -
Oriental Exclusion Act
For more information click hereThis act prohibited most immigration from Asia. This included the children of American citizens with Chinese ancestory. -
Annual Immigration Quota
More informationIn 1929 the Annual Immigration quota became permanent. This only allowed 150,000 immigrants into the United States each year. -
Alien Registration Act
For more information click hereThis is also known as the Smith Act. This required all aliens to register and be fingerprinted by the government if theyare over 14 years of age. -
Refugee Relief Act
More information.This replaced the Displaced Persons Act of 1948. This allowed 214,000 immigrants into the United States. -
Immigration and Nationality Act
To read the law click here. This Act got rid of the national origins quota system. There was now a preference based on skill for the people immigrating to the U.S. -
United States Refugee Act of 1980
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/resource/the-refugee-actThis act gave procedures for when the number exceeds 50,000 people. It also gave directions on how to deal with refugees by creating a uniform and effective resettlement and absorption policy.
