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Colonial Immigration
English Settlers arrive in America -
First Alien Naturalization Act
The First Alien Naturalization Act is enacted by the newly formed U.S. Government. -
Alien and Sedition Acts
The U.S. President is now invested with the power to punish and/or deport aliens. -
Foeign Slave Trade Becomes Illegal
Fifty Thousand slaves become the first illegal aliens in the U.S. -
Congress Regulates Immigration
Supreme Court grants Congress, alone, the ability to regulate immigration. -
Centralization of Immigration Control
The first Congressional attempt is made in order to centralize immigration control. A Commissioner of Immigration is also appointed by the U.S. President. -
"Unlawful" State Immigration Laws
State Immigration Laws are accused of being unconstitutional. Congress then decides to give the Federal Branch direct jurisdiction of immigration control. -
Ellis Island
Ellis Island is open and becomes the U.S. entry checkpoint for immigrants. -
Mexican Revolution
The Mexican Revolution drives thousands of Mexicans across the U.S./Mexico Border. -
"Mounted Inspectors"
The U.S. Congress authorizes "mounted inspectors" to keep watch over the U.S./Mexico Border. -
Border Patrol
The. U.S. officially establishes Border Patrol to protect and regulate the U.S. Border. -
Illegal Alien Census
The U.S. Census estimates that there are approximately 2-4 million illegal aliens in the U.S. About half of these illegal immigrants are from Mexico. -
Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act
This act denies most forms of public assistance to even legal immigrants. The nation's welfare system is dramatically changed due to this act and immigrants are forced to work harder for government assistance. -
Building the Border
The Secure Fence Act is passed, authorizing the construction of a 700 mile long, double-layered fence to separate the U.S./Mexico Border. The act also instructs Homeland Security to stop any illegal activity or entry of arround the border using personnel and surveillance technology. -
SB 1070
Arizona's SB 1070 Law is signed, allowing state authority to combat illegal immigration. SB 1070 becomes incredibly controversial. -
Judge Susan Bolton
Judge Susan Bolton removes certain aspects from the SB 1070 Bill. This included the removal of checking immigration status during routine infractions or traffic violations and the mandatory law demanding immigrants carry their documentation with them. -
Illegal Children Immigrants Become Citizens
President Obama announces that Homeland Security will no longer be able to deport illegal immigrants who came to the States before age 16, have lived here for at least 5 years, are in school, graduated high school, or are military veterans in good standing. The person must also be under the age of 30 and have a clean criminal record. -
SB 1070 Centerpiece Prevails
U.S. Supreme Court decides to enforce Arizona's SB 1070 Bill's centerpiece as national law. The "show me your papers" provision requires legal authority to ask for proof of citizenship when making a stop or arrest if they have reason to suspect the individual may be illegal. Finally, a step in the right direction!
