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A new nation began.
George Washington is sworn in as the 1st President of the United States. -
African Americans gained citizenship.
The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was passed. The Amendment forbid states from denying any rights to citizenship, voting regulations is still left in the hands of the states -
The Naturalization Act of 1870 expands citizenship
The Naturalization Act was a federal law that created a system of control for the naturalization process and penalties for fraud
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Chinese Exclusive Act
The Chinese Exclusion Act was one of the most significant restrictions on free immigration in US history, prohibiting all immigration of Chinese laborers. -
Acts passed in 1888 and 1891
These Acts allowed the national government to not exclude certain people and also allowed the government to deport aliens who entered the country. -
Chinese Execlusion Act renewed indefinitely
Also known as "The Scott Act", extended Chinese exclusion laws indefinitely. -
Immigration Act provided for literacy tests for those over 16
A tax of $8 a head was enforced on immigrants, except children under sixteen present with a parent, and those over 16 who had not paid for their own ticket were prohibited from entering the country. -
Qouta Act of 1921
Also known as "The Emergency Quota Act" restricted the number of immigrants admitted from any country. -
Border Patrol was Established
The Border Patrol was first only allowed to board and search the perimeter of illegal aliens. Agents also were allowed to patrol all territory within 25 miles of a land border. -
Alien Registration Act
Also known as "The Smith Act", set criminal penalties and required all non-citizen adults to register with the government. -
Immigration and Nationality Act
Also known as 'The Hart-Celler Act" abolished the national origins quota system that was the American immigration policy. -
Immigration Reform and Control Act
About three million illegal immigrants were granted legal status through this act, also known as the "Simpson-Mazzoli Act" -
Proposition 187
This prohibited illegal aliens from using health care, public education, and other social services in the U.S. -
Welfare Reform Act
Welfare reform refers to changes in the operation of a welfare system. -
USA Patriot Act
USA Patriot stands for Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001.
