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The Constitution has a Bill of Rights that clearly states undeniable rights that each American citizen is entitled to. Article 1 grants the Federal government authority over naturalization. Article 2 states that only naturally-born American citizens can be elected U.S. president. Article 3 grants the Federal judiciary branch authority over citizenship controversies. -
Free, white individuals of America can be granted U.S citizenship as long as they have lived in the country for 2 years or longer. Their children under the age of 21 are also considered U.S citizens, as well as children of U.S citizens that are born abroad. -
Due to the land acquired through the Mexican War, all inhabitants of the newly annexed land were granted American citizenship. -
The 13th Amendment abolishes slavery but does not grant newly freed African Americans the rights to full American citizenship. -
All people born or naturalized in America are considered American citizens and entitled to citizenship rights. No state can deny people these citizenship rights. -
All African Americans that were formerly enslaved become naturalized regardless of whether or not they were born in the United States. Asian Americans are still being denied rights. -
The first American law bans immigration and naturalization based on ethnicity. Barred Asian Americans from American citizenship and the rights that entitles. -
Any child that is born in America, regardless of their parent's ethnicity, race, or citizenship status, is an American citizen. -
Citizens of Puerto Rico, an American territory, are granted American citizenship. -
This is the first American law that controls the annual amount of immigrants allowed into the country based on their country of origin. -
All Native Americans are granted American citizenship. -
All non-citizens must register with the Federal government for American citizenship. This act grants the president authority to deport non-citizens from the country. -
Race and ethnicity cannot bar or hinder the opportunity to become an American citizen. -
The Quota Act is abolished. Instead of allowing a certain amount of immigrants in based on their previous country of origin, now allows people in based on their skills and abilities. -
Following the events of 9/11, to punish terrorist acts. Grants law enforcement more power in being able to fight terrorism, as well as fight against money laundering that supports terrorism. Many see this as a breach of the constitutional rights of U.S citizens.