-
First Colony was founded in America
-
Importation of African Slaves Begins
African Slaves arive in Jamestown, VA -
Massachusetts Prohibits "Lame, Impotent, or Infirm Persons" from Entering
The influx of Germans and Quakers in the early 1700s led to specific provincial immigration laws -
1790 Naturalization Act
This article of legislation allowed an individual to apply for citizenship if they were a free white person, being of good character, and living in the United States for two years. Upon receiving the courts approval they took an oath of allegiance which was recorded. The individual's citizenship was also extended to any children under the age of 21, regardless of their birthplace. If the applicant had never been a U.S. resident the application was disregarded. -
The Steerage Act
Steerage Act of 1819, on March 2, 1819, the United States Congress passed an act Regulating passenger-ships and vessels, the legislative branch of the United States Government doubtless had in mind a first step toward reforming the passenger trade to America. -
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
It gave the United States the Rio Grande as a boundary for Texas, and gave the U.S. ownership of California and a large area comprising roughly half of New Mexico, most of Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Wyoming and Colorado. -
Homestead Act
Passed to Encourage Westward Migration. U.S. Congress offered to sell public lands to citizens and to immigrants at the cost of $1.25 per acre, or less. The law was designed to attract people to settle vast stretches of territory in the Midwest and West, and it was highly effective. The promise of land at a low price attracted hundreds of thousands of people from the East and from Europe. -
Chinese Exclusion Act
It was one of the most significant restrictions on free immigration in US history, prohibiting all immigration of Chinese laborers. -
The Statue of Liberty was errected
The Statue of Liberty welcomed these new immigrants. Most immigrants have come to the United States because their countries do not offer the opportunities the United States offer. The Statue symbolizes a new beginning. -
Ellis Island Opens as Immigrant Entry Checkpoint
While the new immigration station on Ellis Island was under construction, the Barge Office at the Battery was used for the processing of immigrants. The new structure on Ellis Island, built of 'Georgia pine' opened on January 1, 1892 -
Supreme Court Confirms That 14th Amendment Gives Citizenship to All Persons Born in the United States
'All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.' -
Naturalization Act Creates Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization
In charge of ‘all matters concerning the naturalization of aliens -
Mexican Revolution Drives Thousands of Mexicans across the US-Mexican Border
Development of mining and industry in northern Mexico, as well as the building of the north-south railroad lines, attracted large numbers of Mexicans to the northern part of the country. -
US Congress Authorizes "Mounted Inspectors" Along the US-Mexico Border
Mounted watchmen of the U.S. Immigration Service patrolled the border in an effort to prevent illegal crossings. The inspectors, usually called Mounted Guards, operated out of El Paso, Texas -
Armed Forces Naturalization Act Allows Veterans Who Served Active-Duty to Become Naturalized Citizens
Gave US military veterans who served in active-duty capacity in Vietnam or other "military hostilities" the ability to become naturalized citizens. -
September 11th Terrorist Attacks
Terrorist Attacks Prompt US Department of Defense to Expand Military Support along the Borders -
US Supreme Court Upholds Arizona Law Penalizing Businesses That Hire Undocumented Immigrants
The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday upheld an Arizona law that imposes sanctions against businesses that hire illegal immigrants.
