American Immigration

America is discovered

Aug 3, 1492

Other people who discoverd America before Columbus Columbus did not discover America, however he did pave the way for others to sail to America and being trading. He essencially made America popular. This is an important date on the timeline because we wouldn't have an issue with immigration if America wasn't even on the map.

First pilgrims arrive in America

Nov 11, 1620

After America was discovered, pilgrams came to America to practice religion as they saw fit and were essentially some of the first immigrants in the nations history. It's interesting to note that at first the Native Americans were hospitipal towards the settlers, very different to how immigrants are treated today.

America declares herself independent

Jul 4, 1776

This is a crucial moment in history, once the Revolution is won because it allows America to become a soverign nation which allows it to create it's own laws. This in turn allows for future immigrations laws to be set into motion.

Louisiana Purchase

Apr 30, 1803

http://www.history.com/topics/louisiana-purchase This purchase was essential for expanding west and helps lead to the immigration issues in Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, and California.

Louis and Clark finish their expedition

Sep 23, 1806

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/lewis-and-clark-depart After 2.5 years of maping out the country, Louis and Clark return from their expeditions. This is important because it allows greater access to those that migrate west in the coming years.

Mexican/American War

Apr 25, 1846

http://www.history.com/topics/mexican-american-war
Unlinke the land that was bought during the Louisiana Purchace, territories like New Mexico and Arizona were taken by force during the President Polk administration. The result of this war created a rift between the Mexican and the American nations.

Mormon Pioneers arrive in Utah valley

Jul 24, 1847

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/mormons-settle-salt-lake-valley This point in history is crucial to further settlements in Arizona. Eventhough the circumstances that brought the Latter-day Saints to Utah were less than ideal it brought with it great success and future opportunities for the nation.

The Immigration Act of 1924

Jan 1, 1924

This allowed the United States to choose more carefully who they let pass throught it's boarders. this Act when along with the 1917 act that created a literacy test for those 16 years and older.

Welfare was created

Jan 4, 1935

http://www.welfareinfo.org/history/ Because the Great Depression was so devistating to everyone, the United Stated Government created the Welfare system which is still in place today. This is key to immigration because many come to the country either to purposely recieve government funding welfare or through extenuating circumstances end up in the program.

Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965

Jun 30, 1968

http://www.history.com/topics/us-immigration-since-1965
Even though it was the act of 1965 it was not enacted until 1968. This act took away some of the earlier stricter laws and policies regarding immigration. It allowed families to be reunited while attracting skilled workers to the United States.

Ellis Island

Apr 1, 1982

http://www.history.com/topics/ellis-island Ellis Island was Americas largest immigration station with over 12 million immigrants in just 62 years.

Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986

Nov 6, 1986

This act allowed those that were here in the United States illegally before 1982 to stay in the country.
Legalized seasonal agricultural immigrants.
Made it illegal to hire or recruit illegal immigrants, knowingly.

Secure Fence Act

Sep 14, 2006

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexico%E2%80%93United_States_barrier The secure fence act allowed for a fence to be erected on the boarder between Mexico and The United States.

Passports required to cross US/Mexico border

Jan 8, 2007

http://www.foxnews.com/story/2009/06/01/passports-mandatory-at-mexico-canada-borders.html This law, whether right or wrong, caused more issues regarding immigration. Those who were able to cross the border with ease (a fake I.D.) are now having to cross the treacherous terrain risking their lives to enter the United States.

The next president

Nov 8, 2016

This is for a future timeline when we find out who is going to be the new president. If is it Donald Trump, we will see serious changes regarding immigration, whether negative or otherwise. Such as stricter immigration laws and deportation of illegal immigrants. If Hillary wins, it wil likely stay the same.