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Naturalization Act
The Naturalization Act limited citizenship to “free whites of good moral character” that have been in the U.S. for at least two years. -
Chinese Exclusion Act
This was the first federal ban of an immigration group. This Act also allowed for a tax to be levied on newly arriving immigrants. -
Federal Office of Immigration Created
This office originated in the U.S. Treasury Department. However it was later moved to the U.S. Justice Department and now oversees the process of naturalization. -
Period: to
Ellis Island is Open
Within this time frame, approximately 12 million immigrants enter the United States through Ellis Island. -
National Origins Act
This act established quotas by nationality for immigration based on the 1890 Census. During this time the United States also established a Border Patrol. -
Bracero Program
This program brings farmers from Mexico to combat the WWII labor shortage. -
National Race Quotas Abolished
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The Refugee Act
Under this act refugees are now classified differently than immigrants. -
Immigration Control and Reform Act
This act establishes fines to be imposed on employers who deliberately hire undocumented workers. -
Proposition 187 in California
California sees increase in immigration and responds with Proposition 187. Under this proposition public benefits are denies to illegals -
Immigration Act
The products of this act include- A doubling of U.S. border patrol to 10,000 over five years- Legal immigrants lose right to food stamps and supplemental security income- Illegal immigrants become ineligible for virtually all federal and state benefits excluding emergency medical care, immunization programs, and disaster relief. -
DREAM Act introduced in Senate
An initial version of the modern day DREAM act (Development Relief and Education for Alien Minors) is introduced in the Senate. This legislation seeks to aid undocumented students who would like to pursue lawful employment or are in pursuit of higher education. -
USA Patriot Act
The USA Patriot Act amended the Immigration and Nationality Act to broaden ineligibility for aliens to include those suspected or having affiliations with terrorist activity. -
DREAM Act reintroduced in Congress
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Arizona Enacts SB 1070
Arizona’s SB 1070 is a bill that promotes more strict and rigorous enforcement of immigration laws. For example under SB 1070 in a lawful stop, detainment, or arrest, the immigration status of the person may be questioned. -
DREAM Act passed in House of Representatives
A new and amended DREAM Act passed in the House of Representatives, but failed in the Senate. -
DREAM Act reintroduced in Senate
The DREAM Act is reintroduced in the Senate but with no more support to pass. -
California DREAM Act
In California a state-level version of the federal DREAM Act is signed into law. -
Alabama Immigration Law Effective Date
Under Alabama’s Immigration Law a more strict enforcement is placed on actively identifying people who are in the country illegally. For example with this piece of legislation, public schools are required to check the immigration status of their students.
