-
1790
Any free white person could apply for citizenship after 2 years of residency, according to rules made by Congress -
1819
First significant federal legislation on immigration. Includes reporting of immigration and rules for passengers from US ports bound for Europe -
1875
Henderson v Mayor of New York decision made it that all state laws on immigration are unconstitutional -
1880
5.2 million immigrants have entered the country from 1880 to 1890 -
1892
Ellis Island opens up for immigrants -
1917
Immigration Act called for literacy tests to anyone entering the U.S. over the age of 16 -
1940
Fingerprinting and registering Aliens were required -
1986
Immigration Reform and Control Act provided for amnesty for many illegal aliens and sanctions for employers hiring illegals -
1996
AZ law requires a proof of citizenship to get driver's license -
2000
Bilingual education is banned in AZ -
2004
AZ voters approve of Proposition 200, which denies public benefits to illegal immigrants -
2008
Sheriff Joe Arpaio does immigration sweeps in East Phoenix to arrest "illegal immigrants" -
Jan 2010
Pearce introduces Senate Bill 1070 -
Feb 2010
SB 1070 passes Senate 17-13 -
April 2010
SB 1070 becomes law