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The Beginning of Colonization
Newcomers from England settled in James River -
The Naturalization Act of 1790
Free white people of at least two years and their children under 21 years of age. -
Naturalization Act of 1795 Additions to Citizenship Process
Residency process for the citizenship changed from 2 to 5 years and had to renounce allegiance to another 3 years ahead of time. -
First Illegal Aliens From Large Slave Trade
In 1808, 50,000 slaves were brought from out of the country just as slave trade was made illegal. This made the slaves illegal as well, especially because they were not white free men. -
1814-1850 Natives Not Counted As Citizens
Because of the 1790 Naturalization Act, as natives were moved out of their land, they were not counted as citizens. This was due to the fact that they were not white, meaning that they did not have fair rights. Regardless of them being born, it did not follow laws. -
Immigration Act of 1917
Those of Eastern Asia and Pacific Islands and other "barred" individuals were not allowed to migrate and therefore become citizens in the US again. There was a fee or tax you had to pay for and those over 16 would do a literacy test. -
1820-1860 European Migration
Many from Europe were traveling to the US for better living conditions and land for cheaper. -
Supreme Court Can Only Regulate Immigration
After states were making their own immigration laws, the Supreme Court shut this down to ensure that they are the only ones handling these laws. -
Naturalization Act of 1870
Those that were former slaves of African birth or of African descent were eligible to become citizens. -
Chinese Exclusion Act
Many from China were migrating to the US because of jobs so they were excluded from migrating over and becoming citizens in efforts to not have their economy dropping by Chinese workers. Though this was not their fault, they were blamed fro it. -
The Immigration Act of 1891
No one who is a polygamist, have been convicted of certain crimes, or those who are sick were allowed to migrate and therefore become a citizenship a that point. -
Ellis Island Immigration
New York Harbor became immigration check point to enter in from Europe, all over. -
Expatriation Act
This act would come to revoke the citizenship to many based on their circumstances like who they marry, how long you have lived there, or children. 1922, many parts of this was repealed, specifically to women -
Angel Island Immigration Station
Just like Ellis Island, on the opposite side of the country, this station was opened were immigrants to come in. -
Indian Citizenship Act
All Native Americans were counted as citizens. -
Immigration Act of 1924
Issued visas to Great Britain, Ireland, and Germany were the only countries to receive them. Asians are still not truly permitted. -
Magnuson Immigration Act of 1943
Chinese people were finally able to become naturalized citizens. -
McCarran-Walter Act
Finally, Asians were no longer excluded from immigrating and becoming citizens. -
IIRAIRA of 1996
This act was to strengthen the immigration and citizenship laws and added penalties for illegals.