-
Founding of america
Congress passes the first law about who should be granted U.S. citizenship. The Naturalization Act of 1790 allows any free white person of good character who has been in the country for at least two years to become a citizen. -
14th amendment
The Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, granting citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, including former slaves. -
Indian citizenship
The Indian Citizenship Act is passed, granting citizenship to all Native Americans born in the United States. -
Alien registration act
The Alien Registration Act, also known as the Smith Act, requires all non-U.S. citizens over the age of 14 to register with the government and carry identification cards. -
Immigration and nationality act
The Immigration and Nationality Act, also known as the McCarran-Walter Act, is passed, revising and consolidating previous immigration laws and establishing the foundations of modern U.S. immigration policy. -
Immigration reform and control act
The Immigration Reform and Control Act is passed, granting amnesty to certain undocumented immigrants and imposing sanctions on employers who hire unauthorized workers. -
The patriot act
The USA PATRIOT Act is passed in response to the September 11 attacks, expanding the government's surveillance powers and affecting immigration and citizenship processes. -
Secure fence act
The Secure Fence Act is passed, authorizing the construction of physical barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border.