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Apr 21, 1500
Iriquois League
In 1500, settlers to America encountered the native Americans. The settlers felt entitled to the land they had settled on, causing them to often fight with the Native Americans. This is a reflection of our nations's history of having a sense of superiority over other ethnicities and races. -
Period: Apr 21, 1500 to
Immigration
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Indian Complaints about Settlers
Native Americans issued complaints about the English settlers who were living on their land and disrespecting them. Once again a reflection on our mindset and sense of entitlement. -
Benjamin Franklin Creates Racial Hierarchy
Benjamin Franklin helped create a sort of racial hierarchy that was used by a vast majority of the world. It put White people on one end of the spectrum and Black people at the other, lower end. Any other race was in between. In a way, I see this affecting modern day views on race and immigrants. In the 1960's black people were still seen as the lowest, least desireable race of people. This hierarchy has influenced our views on immigrants as well, by putting them in the middle of the spectrum. -
U.S. Constitution Enacted
The United States Constitution was enacted by the new government, granting rights to citizens. Fails to mention anything about immigrants to America -
Alien Naturalization Act 1790
First law created to regulate immigration. Restricted immigrants to be free white people of "good moral character". -
Irish Potato Famine
A hige famine in Ireland caused a flood of Irish immigrants in America. They were strongly disliked and often persecuted. Once again gives an example of our nation's view of the racial and cultural spectrum. -
Transcontinental Railroad
The building of the Transcontinental Railroad inspired many immigrants to move to the U.S. to work. The railroad was build by a vast majority of immigrants -
Chinese Exclusion Act
This act was created to suspend and ban Chinese immigration. It was meant to last 10 years. -
Immigration Act 1882
This act taxed all immigrants who landed at state ports. They were to pay fifty cents, which was to be used to pay immigration agents and defray costs of immigration regulation. -
Alien Registration Act (Smith Act)
This act required all immigrants to be registered with the U.S. Government. Also set penalties for anyone trying to overthrow our government. -
Bracero Program
Imported a mass number of Mexican laborers to work in agriculture. This happened because a large number of Meixcan Immigrants left during the Great Depression, leaving only a small number left to work for low pay -
McCarran Walter Act
Encouraged people with specific skills to move to the United States. Also abolished racial restrictions that were formerly in immigration statutes. -
Immigration and Nationality Act
First time the U.S. government attempted to put a limitation on Mexican immigration. Act increased illegal immigration from Latin America -
USA Patriot Act
Created a Homeland Security Department after the 9/11 attacks. Required people to carry a passport when entering or exiting the country. Broadened governments border control, expanding border officials. -
Arizona SB 1070
Allows law enforcement to question suspected immigrants and ask for documentaion. Made it a criminal offence to cross the border illegaly.