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Colonial Immigration to the New World
Finally, settles from Britain are starting to form new lives in the New World. -
Importation of African Slaves
The importation of African Slaves begin in 1616 starting off with 20 African Slaves. -
Pennsylvania Enacts Oath of Allegiance for German Immigrants
The Governore of Pensylvania noticed that many Germans were moving to Pensylvania without demonstrating any identification. So, he made them the this oath to prove their allegiance. -
First Alien Naturalization Act Enacted by the Newly Created US Government
This created a law that all people needed to follow in order to be considered Citizens of the United States. Of course, this was a law that only allowed a small minority of the population to get naturalized after moving to America. -
Foreign Slave Trade Becomes Illegal
This is when transportation of slaves becomes illegal. This creates the beginning of the first 50,000 "illegal alins" in the US -
Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo
This treaty results in America gaining Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, California, and Parts of Utah and Nevada. This resulted in the increase of 80,000 Mexicans living in the land that once belonged to Mexico. -
Homestead Act of 1862
This law passed by Congress allowed people to migrate to the west and also encourages Immigration. They did this by selling land at $1.25 squared foot. -
Creation of the Railroad
Central Pacific Railroad Hires Chinese Laborers and the Union Pacific Hires Irish Laborers to Construct the First Transcontinental Railroad. This created the first continental railroad and was from 1863-1869. -
Gold Rush
During the Gold Rush, Immigration of Chinese immigrants greatly increases. This occurs between 1870-1880. -
Burlingame Treaty is Revised
The Burlingame Treaty is revised and this stops the immigration of the Chinese. -
Immigration Exclusion Act
The Immigration Exclusion Acts excludes any criminals, poor, or mentally ill from coming to America on boats. -
Regulation of Immigration
Concress decides to regulate the immigration for better control of the situation. -
Ellis Island
Ellis Island opens as a port of entry for immigration. Annie Moore, a 15 year-old Irish girl, accompanied by her two brothers entered history and a new country as she was the very first immigrant to be processed at Ellis Island on January 2. -
14 Amendment
Supreme Court Confirms That 14th Amendment Gives Citizenship to All Persons Born in the United States. This includes the children of illegal immigrants coming to America. -
Naturalization Act Creates Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization
Congress passed an act that expanded the existing Immigration Bureau to the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization and put it in charge of ‘all matters concerning the naturalization of illegal aliens. -
Angel Island
Another port of entrance is opened in 1910 in Angel Island. in 1940 it is closed down. This was a port where many Japanese immigrants entered the US. -
Labor Appropriation Act of 1924
With this act, the US Border Patrol is established. This was meant to secure the borders between inspection stations. -
Bracero Program
This program brought 5,000,000 Mexican Temporary Laborers to Work in US Farms and Railroads in a 22-Year Period. Although it was supposed to be temporary, some stayed permanently and stayed here illegaly. -
Ellis Island Closes
This date brought the end of one of the biggest entrance of immigrants to the US. Many still immigrated illegally. -
Refugee Act of 1980
This act allowed any individual or family to come to American in a time of need. Many took advantage of this law and lied in order to be let into the US as a refugee. -
Immigration Reform and Control Act
The act granted Llgal status to qualifying Immigrants Who Entered the US Illegally before Jan. 1, 1982. Some decided to do this but many did not.
