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The begining of Citizenship
The Naturalization Act of 1790 started this. It consisted of "good" white people who were granted citizenship. It was required that citizens had to be living in the U.S. for 2 years or longer. During this time, nonwhites couldn't vote, testify in court, or own property. -
Immigration
Some Irish citizens started to move into the U.S. after a feeling of peace was established with Britain. Close to 5 million Germans along as well. This immigration lasted until the Civil War. -
Steerage Act of 1819
The U.S. passed the Steerage Act of 1819 which meant that captains would improve traveling conditions as well as have records of the identities of who was on board. This was passed in order to address the immigrants who became sick due to the poor conditions on ships during immigration. -
14th Ammendment
The 14th Amendment granted citizenship to all citizens who were born or naturalized in the United States. This also granted citizenship to African Americans. -
Naturalization Act
The Naturalization Act of 1870 gave more rights to African Americans but also denied rights and protection of citizenship to other non-white immigrants. -
Chinese Exclusion Act
Chinese immigrants were excluded from entering the United States. This gave them no option to become citizens. -
Citizenship Revoken
The Expatriation Act of 1907 stripped United States-born women of their citizenship if they married a non-citizen immigrant man. -
Indian Citizenship
The Indian Citizen Act of 1924 granted all Native Americans born in the U.S. automatic citizenship. -
Women's Citizenship
Women were allowed to marry non-U.S. citizens without the fear that their citizenship would be taken again. -
The Civil Rights Act
The ban on civilian discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. All U.S. citizens and inhabitants would be guaranteed to have equal American rights. -
Immigration Control
This act was to deal with illegal immigration in the United States. Congress created a system that provided amnesty for established residents, increased border enforcement, enhanced requirements of employers, and expanded guest worker visa programs.