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The Naturalization Act of 1798
This immigration act increased the period necessary for immigrants to become naturalized. The years increased from 5 years to 14. This act set the precedence for immigration policies that involves a pathway to citizenship in the future. The act was passed with the guise that it was protecting national security but many historians conclude it was passed to deter and disenfranchise voters who disagree with the Federalist political party. -
Amendment XIII
The Thirteenth Amendment was added to the United States Constitution that effectively aimed to mitigate and abolish slavery and involuntary servitude. This effected the import of slaves and reduced the amount of slaves--or immigrants coming into the United States as a whole; causing a drastic shift in the population. -
The Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty was created, designed and unveiled to the public on October 5th, 1886. This is an important event in United States history because it not only increased an influx of French foreign workers but also set the precedence for future US immigrant workers. -
The Scott Act
The Scott Act was a law that was passed in 1888 where the law prohibited Chinese laborers abroad or who planned future travels from returning into the United States. This is important because The Scott Act set precedence for an upcoming Supreme Court case: Chae Chan Ping v. United States (1889) where the court ruled in favor of the United States determining who is allowed entry into the country. -
The Emergency Quota Act
The Emergency Quota Act was a law that was passed restricting immigration into the United States. The law placed a "quota" on the number of immigrants allowed to enter the United States at a time. Although, the law was deemed to only be temporary while the United States tries to fix the 1900 immigration problem, the law became an important turning point in American immigration policy. -
The War Brides Act
The War Brides Act allowed for alien spouses, children and adopted children of the United States Armed Forces to grant citizenship to their wives and children. This allowed for an increase in immigration in 1945 because it allowed for men of the military to marry and bring their foriegn wives home. This created an opening for many women to "marry for the sake of citizenship". -
The Immigration and Nationality Act
The act was passed to revise, restructure and consolidate several immigration laws and policies into one. This act also was passed to put an official quota on the amount of immigrants allowed to cross into the United States. These quotas are given to each country, specific to their population and relationship with the United States. -
The United States Refugee Act
The United States Refugee Act placed a permanent and systematic policy and procedure for the admission of refugees entering the United States whether temporary of permanently. This act sets an important precedence in the status quo where the world faces a refugee crisis in the Middle East. -
Anti-Drug Abuse Act
The legislation was passed as an effort for the war on drugs. It gives the United States officials the right to deport immigrants if they're found in the possession of drugs. This act creates the foundation for the stereotypes regarding certain races and drug abuse. -
The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigration Responsibility Act
The act was passed in order to set the consequences of what happens if one illegally stays over their designated time granted in the United States. The law states that if someone unlawfully stays in the United States for 180 days but less than 365 days, they must remain outside the US for three years before reentering or obtaining a pardon. For those above the 365 day line, they must stay out of the United States for 10 years or obtain a special pardon to reenter. -
September 11 Attacks
The 9/11 attacks were directed to the US's economic, military and other strongholds. Although only one attack was successfully carried out, the other attacks were stopped due to the bravery of both men and women abroad the places used for the attacks. This terrorist attack on domestic soil set the precedence for many Americans that foreigners--especially Middle Eastern--cannot be trusted, creating a xenophobic country. This event also will shape future American immigration policies. -
The USA PATRIOT Act
The act allows the government the ability to deter and punish terrorist acts on US soil by utilizing investigatory tools such as checking a person's business accounting book, checking through a person's phone calls, etc. This was enacted after the recent 9/11 attack--aiming for a more secure America. The problems with the act is that it furthers stereotypes and xenophobia. Often times, people of color are more so targeted and it is due to the xenophobia this act creates. -
The Homeland Security Act
The HSA was introduced due to the 9/11 terrorist attack. This act not only created the Department of Homeland Security but also introduced new agencies: US Customs and Border Protection, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and US Citizenship and Immigration Services. These agencies not only strengthened border control and security but also created a more efficient government when it comes to a pathway for US citizenship. -
The Secure Fence Act
The legislation was introduced and passed as an effort to tighten border control along the US and Mexican borders. The legislation aimed to decrease drug trafficking and the amount of illegal immigration. The plan did also aim to build a physical barrier between the US and Mexican border; although this portion of the bill wasn't properly implemented. The bill became a foundation for upcoming future legislation that aim to tighten security around the borders and control drugs and immigrants. -
Arizona SB 1070
This Arizona law was passed giving authority to police officers to determine an individual's immigration status if he/she doesn't have their rightful immigration documentation on them. This gave police the power to make a "lawful stop, detain or arrest" an individual. This creates a stigma for officers stereotyping specific races: e.g. Mexicans, Middle Eastern, etc.,
