-
Period: to
Immigration Events
-
The Mayflower
Religious Pilgrims migrated from Plymouth, Europe to the Americas, hoping for a better life and religious freedom. This was the start of large-scale migration to the New World.
Source: http://www.history.com/topics/mayflower -
The Neutralization Act
Because of this Act, American citizenship was limited to "free white people" who had resided in the U.S. for a minimum of two years. The Neutralization Act excluded indentured servants and blacks.
Source: http://www.mountvernon.org/education/primary-sources/naturalization-acts-of-1790-and-1795/ -
The Act to Prohibit Importation of Slaves
This Act prohibited the importation of black slaves into the United States. However, slaves that were already living in America were allowed to stay.
Source: http://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/document/act-to-prohibit-the-importation-of-slaves/ -
The Steerege Act
This Act established regulations regarding the passengers being transported to the U.S. in ships.
Source: http://www.sunnycv.com/steve/ar/immig/steerage.html -
Potato Famine
The famine in Ireland caused nearly a million Irish people to immigrate to the U.S. in hopes of a better life.
Source: http://www.historyplace.com/worldhistory/famine/america.htm -
Gold Rush
Gold was first discovered in near the Sacremento Valley of California in early 1848. This caused a massive migration of people from the eastern United States and China.
Source: http://www.history.com/topics/gold-rush-of-1849 -
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
This treaty ended the Mexican-American War. With a U.S. victory, Mexico was forced to give up half their territory, some of which was located in Arizona. The Mexicans living in these lands were given a choice to go back to Mexico, or become U.S. citizens. Thousands of Mexicans decided to become Americans.
Source: https://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/guadalupe-hidalgo/ -
The Homestead Act
This Act promoted migration into the western parts of the U.S. The government provided 160 acres to any citizens willing to move westward, and contribute to manifest destiny.
Source: https://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/ourdocs/Homestead.html -
The Chinese Exclusion Act
Signed by the California governor, this Act limited immigration of Chinese workers into the U.S.
Source: https://history.state.gov/milestones/1866-1898/chinese-immigration -
Anarchist Exclusion Act
This was the very first law that banned certain immigrants based on their personal political beliefs. Anarchists were not allowed to enter the U.S. under this Act. This law was set in place after President McKinley was assassinated by a anarchist from Poland.
Source: http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Opportunity_Exclusion_011312.pdf http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Opportunity_Exclusion_011312.pdf -
Gentlemen's Agreement
Japan agreed to deny passports to Japanese workers wishing to enter the U.S.
America, in return, would not restrict Japanese immigration.
Source: http://www.history.com/topics/gentlemens-agreement -
Asiatic Barred Zone Act
This Act banned immigration of people who were "not worthy," such as those who were not wealthy, unintelligent, infected with certain diseases, or drug addicts.
Source: http://library.uwb.edu/static/USimmigration/1917_immigration_act.html -
Immigration Act of 1990
This Act increased the amount of immigrants that were allowed to enter the United States.
Source: http://immigrationtounitedstates.org/592-immigration-act-of-1990.html -
Arizona SB 1070
Otherwise known as the Arizona Anti-Immigration Law, the SB 1070 bill was signed in April of 2010. It required all illegal immigrants over the age of 14 to register with the government. The most controversial portion of this bill was the added requirement for police to check immigration staus of a detained person when there was a "reasonable suspicion" that the person could be an illegal alien.
Source: http://www.ncsl.org/research/immigration/analysis-of-arizonas-immigration-law.aspx -
Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986
This law was made to prevent illegal immigration into the U.S. Its main focus was to make it difficult for illegal workers to obtain jobs in the American work force.
Source: https://www.uscis.gov/tools/glossary/immigration-reform-and-control-act-1986-irca
