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1776: Declaration of Independence declares that all men are created equal, but citizenship is primarily limited to white male landowners. -
1790: The Naturalization Act establishes the first rules for granting U.S. citizenship, limited to "free white persons" of "good character." -
1848: Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo grants citizenship to Mexicans living in territories ceded to the U.S., but many face discrimination and exclusion. -
1865: The end of the Civil War leads to the abolition of slavery, but formerly enslaved people remain without full citizenship rights. -
1868: The 14th Amendment is ratified, granting citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. However, many states find ways to circumvent these rights. -
1870: The Naturalization Act is amended to include persons of African descent, yet significant barriers still exist for Asian immigrants. -
1882: The Chinese Exclusion Act prohibits Chinese laborers from immigrating and denies citizenship to Chinese residents. -
1924: The Indian Citizenship Act grants U.S. citizenship to Native Americans, though many states still find ways to exclude them from voting. -
1952: The McCarran-Walter Act allows Asian immigrants to become citizens, correcting previous exclusionary policies. -
1965: The Immigration and Nationality Act eliminates racial quotas, allowing for increased immigration from diverse countries. -
1971: The 26th Amendment lowers the voting age to 18, expanding citizenship rights and participation. -
1986: The Immigration Reform and Control Act provides a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who meet specific criteria. -
2013: The Supreme Court strikes down parts of the Defense of Marriage Act, affirming the rights of same-sex couples to marry, thereby expanding the notion of citizenship and family. -
2021: Ongoing debates and policies regarding immigration reform continue to shape the understanding of citizenship, with discussions on pathways for undocumented immigrants and the rights of asylum seekers.