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Jan 1, 1492
Columbus
Inigenous people's lives and land are at stake. This is sparked by the arrival of Christopher Columbus. -
First African Slaves
The first ship of indentured slaves arrives in Jamestown. -
Pilgrims
The pilgrims came to America seeking religious freedom that they were not getting in Britain. -
New Immigrants
Immigrants from places besides England begin to arrive in places like Pennsylvania and Maryland. The majority of them came from Ireland and Scotland. -
Naturalization Act
The first say on who can become a citizen in the United States. The act denied citizenship to non-whites. -
California Gold Rush
By this time, thousands of people from Asia flocked to the country in hopes of achieving a better life due to news of the gold rush. -
Know-Nothings
This anti-immigrant party made a significant effort to reduce immigration, running a presidential candidate in 1956. -
Chinese Exclusion Act
Chinese laborers were banned from coming to the United States because of Californians that were upset about their willingness to work for less. They blamed the Chinese for a loss in wages. -
Ellis Island
Ellis Island is designated an official immigration station. Millions of immigrants would go on to enter through this hub. -
U.S. / Mexico Border Patrol
Congress authorized mounted guards to patrol the border. -
Immigration Act of 1924
The first permanent immigration restrictions are placed. The act labels those that come to the U.S. without immigration documentation. -
Immigration Reform and Control Act
The act made it a crime for employers to hire undocumented workers, a crime to work without immigration authorization, and increased border security. -
9/11
The 9/11 attacks had major implications for national security, prompting Homeland Security to beef up measures as a means of protection from further attacks. -
Secure Fence Act
The act authorized 700 miles of fencing along the nation's Southern border in hopes that illegal immigration would be deterred. -
SB 1070
The controversial law states that all legal immigrants must carry their documentation with them at all times. It also stated that police could stop anyone they "reasonably suspect' of being undocumented.
