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Period: to
Evolution of National Citizenry
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The Beginning of Citizenship
The Naturalization Act of 1790 offered citizenship to white persons who had "excellent" moral character. These prospective citizens had to have been residing in the United States for at least two years. Nonwhites were not allowed to vote, give testimony in court, or own property at this time. -
Immigration Begins
The Irish began to immigrate to America. This came following the restoration of peace with Britain. Nearly 5 million Germans are also present. Up to the Civil War, this immigration continued. -
Steerage Act of 1819
The Steerage Act of 1819, enacted by the United States, required captains to improve onboard conditions and provide demographic information. This was passed in response to the numerous immigrants who became ill aboard ships while seeking asylum. This is the first time the ethnicity of immigrants has been documented in federal records. -
The 14th Amendment
All those who were born or naturalized in the US are granted citizenship under the 14th Amendment. African Americans were also awarded citizenship as a result. -
Naturalization Act
The Naturalization Act of 1870 provided people of African origin extra privileges while denying other non-white immigrants rights and citizenship protection. -
Chinese Exclusion Act
The Chinese immigrants were denied entry to the country, denying them the chance to apply for citizenship. -
Citizenship Revoked
If a woman born in the United States marries an immigrant who is not a citizen, the Expatriation Act of 1907 strips her of her citizenship. -
Native Americans Take Part in Citizenship
All Native Americans born in the United States are automatically citizens thanks to the Indian Citizen Act of 1924. -
Complete Restoration of Women's Citizenship
When the 1940s arrived, women could marry non-citizens without worrying that their citizenship would be forfeited or having to -
Executive Order 9066
President Franklin Roosevelt put into place this directive. It was put in place to get rid of anyone who would pose a threat to American national security. -
The Civil Rights Act
The prohibition of discrimination against civilians based on their race, color, religion, sex, or country of origin. The nation's gold standard in civil rights law is the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Equal rights under the law would be ensured for all citizens and residents of the United States. -
Immigration Reform and Control Act
This law was written to address the issue of illegal immigration in the United States. A "multi-pronged approach" that included expanded guest worker visa programs, improved border enforcement, stricter employer standards, and amnesty for long-term residents was put in place by Congress.