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Citizenship in the Beginning
White people of "good" character are granted citizenship. They had to be living in the U.S. for 2 years or longer. This was called the Naturalization Act of 1790. During this time nonwhites couldn't vote, testify in court, or own property. -
Immigration Begins
Peace is re-established with Britain causing the Irish to start to move into the U.S. This immigration lasted until the Civil War. Close to 5 million Germans come along as well. -
Steerage Act of 1819
As more immigration continued, many came over sick due to the poor conditions on the ships. To address the issue, the U.S. passed the Steerage Act of 1819 which made captains improve traveling conditions as well as disclose the demographics of who was on board. Thus the first federal records on the ethnicity of immigrants was created. -
The 14th Amendment is Ratified
The 14th Amendment comes into play granting citizenship to all who were born or naturalized in the United States. This also granted citizenship to African Americans. -
Naturalization Act
The Naturalization Act of 1870 gave more rights to those of African descent but also denying rights and protection of citizenship to other non white immigrants. -
Chinese Exclusion Act
During this time the Chinese immigrants were excluded from entering the U.S. thus not giving them the option to become citizens. -
Citizenship Revoked
The Expatriation Act of 1907 stripped U.S. born women of their citizenship if they married a non citizen immigrant man. -
Indians Join In
The Indian Citizen Act of 1924 grants all native americans born in the U.S. automatic citizenship.