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Congress abolishes the African slave trade
The U.S. Congress passes an act to “prohibit the importation of slaves into any port or place within the jurisdiction of the United States…from any foreign kingdom, place, or country.” "Congress Abolishes the African Slave Trade." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016. -
The Supreme Court states that Congress is the only one who can control immigration issues
Although the Constitution said nothing about immigration directly, it was clearly 'foreign commerce,' which the Constitution explicitly reserved to Congress; and Congress's jurisdiction was preemptive so that even in the absence of any federal legislation, state governments could not regulate immigration. Daniels, Roger. "Historical Timeline - Illegal Immigration Solutions." ProConorg Headlines. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016. -
Former slaves become naturalization due to the Naturalization Act of 1870
The Naturalization Act of 1790 restricted citizenship to "any alien, being a free white person", it left out indentured servants, slaves, and most women. In 1870, Congress created a second racial category aloowing former slaves their citizenship. Imai, Shiho. "Naturalization Act of 1790." Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016. -
The Chinese Exclusion Act
It was the first significant law restricting immigration into the United States. In the spring of 1882, the Chinese Exclusion Act was passed by Congress and signed by President Chester A. Arthur. This act provided an absolute 10-year moratorium on Chinese labor immigration. "Chinese Exclusion Act." Ourdocuments.gov. N.p., n.d. Web. -
Immigration Act
Congress passed a new Immigration Act that stated a 50 cents tax would be levied on all aliens landing at United States ports. Borrego, MIchael. "1882 Immigration Act." US Immigration Legislation Online. N.p., n.d. Web. -
The Statue of Liberty is made visible, with the words, "The Huddled Masses Yearning To Be Free", she welcomes a large amount of immigrates to America
The Statue of Liberty, a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States. "Statue of Liberty Dedicated." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016. -
The Supreme Court ratifies that the 14th Amendment will grant citizenship to all who are born United States
The 14th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified on July 9, 1868, and granted citizenship to “all persons born or naturalized in the United States,” which included former slaves recently freed. "Primary Documents in American History." 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Primary Documents of American History (Virtual Programs & Services, Library of Congress). N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016. -
Emergency Quota Act
The objective of this act was to temporarily limit the numbers of immigrants to the United States by imposing quotas based on country of birth. Barrientes, Brenda. "U.S. Immigration Legislation: 1921 Emergency Quota Law." U.S. Immigration Legislation: 1921 Emergency Quota Law. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016. -
The U.S. Border Patrol is established
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The Magnuson Immigration Act of 1943
This act repealed the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, established quotas for Chinese immigration, and allowed Chinese nationals in the U.S. to become naturalized citizens. Manji, Haafiza. "U.S. Immigration Legislation: 1943 Magnuson Act." U.S. Immigration Legislation: 1943 Magnuson Act. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016. -
Ellis Island closes
Ellis Island, the gateway to America, shuts it doors after processing more than 12 million immigrants since opening in 1892. "Ellis Island Closes." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016. -
Naturalization Act
Any free white person could recieve citizenship providing they had renounced their allegiance to their previous state/sovereignty by name, lived in the United States for five years at least, behave as a man of good moral character, and renounced any title they possessed in the previous states. Englund, Shelby. "U.S. Immigration Legislation: 1795 Naturalization Act." U.S. Immigration Legislation: 1795 Naturalization Act. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016. -
The Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA)
gives legal status to qualifying illegal aliens who entered the US Before Jan. 1, 1982. This bill gave unauthorized aliens the opportunity to apply and gain legal status if they met mandated requirements. Mees, Kurtis. "U.S. Immigration Legislation: 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act (Simpson-Mazzoli Act)." U.S. Immigration Legislation: 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act (Simpson-Mazzoli Act). N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016. -
The Illegal Immigrant Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act
Emphasized heightened border enforcement, aimed to establish methods of legal (and regulated) alien entry and interior systems designed to monitor and verify authorized immigrants. Germain, Kate. "U.S. Immigration Legislation: 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act." U.S. Immigration Legislation: 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016. -
Secure Fence Act
Authorizes would extend the fencing along the US-Mexican Border, and more vehicle barriers, checkpoints, and lighting to help prevent people from entering our country illegally. "The Secure Fence Act of 2006." Georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov. N.p., 6 Oct. 2006. Web.
