Immigration Timeline

  • 1790 Naturalization Act

    The Naturalization Act of 1790 is passed. It is only for the good of free white persons-African Americans and American Indians are excluded. Legislative/Executive
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    Immigrant Wave

    Thousands of immigrants pour into the United States in the first major immigrant wave in US history.
    National Government
  • The Mexican-American War Ends

    The Mexican-American War ends, giving citizenship to 80,000 Mexicans living in Texas and California. Executive/State
  • Period: to

    An Easier Journey

    More waves of immigrants come to the US; their journey is shortened by the invention of steam engines. National government
  • 1906 Naturalization Act

    The Naturalization Act of 1906 is passed into law by Theodore Roosevelt, requiring immigrants to learn English before being allowed to become naturalized citizens. Legislative/Executive
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    Italian Immigration

    Two million Italian immigrants arrive to the United States in the peak of Italian immigration.
    National Government
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    Great Depression

    During the time of the Great Depression, very few immigrants have either the means or the incentive to come to the US
    Executive/State
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    Asian Immigration

    Asian immigration quadruples in number due to the newly passed Naturalization Act.
    National Government/Executive/Legislative
  • DACA

    Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals is signed into law by President Obama, placing thousands of young immigrants under government protection. Legislative/Executive
  • DACA Repeal

    President Trump says that DACA will be repealed, leaving DREAMers with little or no protection from being deported. Mostly Executive, partially Legislative