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Declaration of Independence
Independence from Britain is declared, although most residents are still white male landowners.
National Archives -
U.S. Constitution
The Constitution of the United States is ratified, leaving citizenship status up in the air. Slavery is legal, and slaves do not have the same rights as free people.
National Archives -
Naturalization Act of 1790
Citizenship can now only be granted to "free white persons" who have been permanent residents of the United States for at least two years after the passage of the first Naturalization Act.
Naturalization Act (1790) -
Dred Scott v. Sandford
The Supreme Court of the United States rules that African Americans, whether free or enslaved, do not qualify as citizens.
National Archives -
13th Amendment
African Americans are granted citizenship after slavery is abolished by the Thirteenth Amendment.
National Archives -
14th Amendment
All people born or naturalized in the United States, including descendants of slaves, are automatically considered citizens thanks to the passage of the 14th Amendment.
National Archives -
Chinese Exclusion Act
Chinese labor immigration was halted in 1882 by the Chinese Exclusion Act, and Chinese immigrants were denied the ability to become citizens.
National Archives -
19th Amendment
Women's complete citizenship rights were recognized by the 19th Amendment, which allowed them to vote.
National Archives -
Indian Citizenship Act
Although certain tribal authority is preserved, the Indian Citizenship Act guarantees citizenship to all Native Americans born in the United States.
Library of Congress -
Japanese Internment
Many Japanese Americans, who are citizens of the United States, are incarcerated during World War II and treated as enemy aliens.
National Archives -
Immigration and Nationality Act (McCarran-Walter Act)
Because of this law, persons of all races and ethnicities are now eligible to apply for citizenship.
Office of the Historian -
Immigration and Nationality Act (Hart-Celler Act)
Since the national origins quota system was eliminated by the Hart-Celler Act, more people from Asia, Africa, and Latin America have been allowed to enter the United States.
Center for Immigration Studies -
Loving v. Virginia
The Supreme Court rules that interracial marriage is constitutional and that multiracial couples and their offspring have equal rights.
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