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In 1607, the English settled on the James River. This was the mark of a new nation. Later on in the 18th century, it was noticable that many "foreigners" were coming into this new nation.
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This act provided the rules of granting citizenship. From this act, laws of naturalization in the U.S. evolved.
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Congress reduces naturalization residency requirements to 5 years.
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The Supreme Court rules that Congress can regulate immigration laws according to the Constitution.
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This marks the beginning of immigration exclusion. This meant that the U.S. would restrict who came in to the country under federal law.
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Political opponents of the President in Mexico revolted. Even though this President was overthrown, the revolution continued. This drove thousands of Mexicans north and across the U.S. border.
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These guards were placed along the border and used to restrict immigration through these areas. They mainly pursued Chinese immigrants who were trying to avoid exclusion laws.
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The Labor Appropriation Act of 1924 was passed and established the U.S. Border Patrol's purpose to secure the border between inspection stations.
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This order made it so that all Japanese Americans on U.S. soil were sent to internment camps. This issue was brought up becuase of the attack of Pearl Harbor. This was a huge event related to race and immigration because of the large racial aspect. Later on, these people were released.
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Legal status was now granted to immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally before January 1st, 1982.
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"Section 245(i) allows certain persons who have an immigrant visa immediately available but entered without inspection or otherwise violated their status and thus are ineligible to apply for adjustment of status in the United States—to apply if they pay a $1,000 penalty."
(http://immigration.procon.org/sourcefiles/2000legalimmigrationfamilyequitylifeact.pdf) -
The terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001 prompted the U.S. to tighten security along the U.S.-Mexico border along with many other places. Military support was expanded along the border.
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Fencing was approved to be placed along the U.S.-Mexico border as we see it today.
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The controversial law SB 1070 was signed in Arizona, requiring legal immigrants to carry their paperwork at all times. Arizona law enforcement can check anyone they "reasonably suspect" at any given time.
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The U.S. Supreme Court upholds the new Arizona law which would like to penalize businesses with undocumented workers.
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The U.S. Supreme Court upholds the centerpiece law, "show me your papers", but rejects other changes. They decided to "leave the door open for further challenges".
