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The Constitution
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. -
Naturalization Act of 1790
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. -
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
Due to the land acquired through the Mexican War, all inhabitants of the newly annexed land were granted American citizenship. -
The 13th Amendment
The 13th Amendment abolishes slavery but does not grant newly freed African Americans the rights to full American citizenship. -
The 14th Amendment
All people born or naturalized in America are considered American citizens and entitled to citizenship rights. No state can deny people these citizenship rights. -
Naturalization Act of 1870
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. -
Chinese Exclusion Act
The first American law bans immigration and naturalization based on ethnicity. Barred Asian Americans from American citizenship and the rights that entitles. -
United States v. Wong Kim Ark
Any child that is born in America, regardless of their parent's ethnicity, race, or citizenship status, is an American citizen. -
Jones-Shafroth Act
Citizens of Puerto Rico, an American territory, are granted American citizenship. -
Quota Law
This is the first American law that controls the annual amount of immigrants allowed into the country based on their country of origin. -
Indian Citizenship Act
All Native Americans are granted American citizenship. -
Alien Registration Act
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. -
Immigration & Nationality Act
Race and ethnicity cannot bar or hinder the opportunity to become an American citizen. -
Hart-Celler Act
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. -
The USA Patriot Act
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.