Immigration in the U.S. Over the Years

Naturalization Act of 1790

Mar 26, 1790

The Naturalization Act of 1790 established the uniform rule of naturalization as well as a two-year requirement of residency for all aliens that are "free white persons" with "good moral character".

Naturalization Act of 1798

Jun 25, 1798

President John Adams, who was a member of the Federalist party, increased the two-year residency requirement to 14 years. He did this out of fear that immigrants would belong to the Republican party..

1802

Dec 2, 1802

The Jefferson Administration reduces the 14 year residency requirement in the Naturalization Act of 1798 to five years.

End of the Mexican-American War

Dec 2, 1848

The Mexican-American War ends with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidlago and extends citizenship to about 80,000 Mexicans living in California, Texas, and the southwest.

Gold Rush

Dec 2, 1849

The California Gold Rush causes immigration from China to the United States.

First Survey

Jan 2, 1850

For the first time, the United States conducted and surveyed the amount of citizens who were born inside and outside of the country.

The Homestead Act

Sep 2, 1862

It provided free plots of westerm land, which could span up to 160 acres, to settlers who would agree to live on and develop it for at least five years. This caused immigrants living in over populated countries to move to the U.S. in hopes of owning their own land.

The Naturalization Act of 1870

Feb 2, 1870

Expands citizenship to both whites and African-Americans.

Ratifacation of the 15th Amendment

Dec 2, 1870

Granted voting rights to men regardless of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

Chinese Exclusion Act

Jan 2, 1882

Restricted all Chinese immigration to the United States for 10 years.

Alien Contract Labor Law

Dec 2, 1885

Prohibits any company or individual from brining aliens to the U.S. under contract of labor.

Expatriation Act

Sep 2, 1907

Declared that an American woman who marries a forgeiner will lose her citizenship.

The First Red Scare

Dec 2, 1919

The first red scare leads to the idea that people of a certain race or religion could be seen as communists living in the U,S.

Border Patrol

Aug 2, 1924

Border Patrol is created to prevent smuggling and illegal immigration.

Alien Registration Act

Dec 2, 1940

Requires the fingerprints and registration of all aliens in the U.S. who are over the age of 14.