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Ratification of the 14th Amendment
The Fourteenth Amendment was added to the Constitution in 1868. This declared that “all persons born or naturalized in the United States” were eligible for citizenship. This included former slaves, who had recently been freed. The amendment went further to guarantee the equal protection of rights to all citizens, declaring that no person could be denied "life, liberty or property, without due process of law." -
Asiatic Barred Zone Act
In 1917, Congress issued the first widely restrictive immigration law. This act implemented literacy tests, increased the taxes required by incoming immigrants, and banned immigrants from certain parts of the world. While this was a success for the typically orthodox view that opposes immigration, its largest impact was that it led to the Immigration Act of 1924. -
The Johnson-Reed Act
The Johnson-Reed Act required all arriving non-American citizens to present a "visa" when coming to the United States. Immigrants could request these visas at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. The State Department would only issue visa documents to approved immigrants and immigrants could only enter the country with a visa. The implementation of the visa allowed the Federal government to restrict the number of immigrants who were legally admitted to the United States. -
Migration and Refugee Assistance Act
Under the Kennedy Administration, a program was created that provided medical care, financial aid, help with education and resettlement, and child welfare services for Cuban refugees. While it was intended for refugees, it set the precedent of the federal government aiding foreign immigrants. -
Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments
These amendments, that set a cap on the number of American visas issued, were added to the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. The amendments created a limit to visas for both the western hemisphere and worldwide, both of which had an influx of immigrants well beyond these numbers. These amendments would be favored by right-wing politicians, who typically side with more restrictive immigration policies. However, it also was the beginning of large-scale unauthorized immigration. -
Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act
The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act created further restrictions on immigration admissions eligibility and tightened security at the border. This is yet another example of the barriers to immigration that are often favored by Republicans and highlights how immigration is a controversial issue. -
2017 Undocumented Immigrant Count
In 2017, the number of undocumented immigrants in the United States was estimated to be about 10.5 million. It is commonly believed that this large population is a detriment to the country, as they do not pay taxes. However, research indicates that between 50% - 75% of unauthorized immigrants pay federal, state, and local taxes. This amounts up to $11 billion in collected money. -
2020 Presidential Election
The 2020 Presidential Election brings views on immigration to the forefront, for both parties. On the right, Trump is continuing his push for increased border security and restricting "healthcare for all" (includes providing healthcare to undocumented immigrants). However, on the left, many Democratic candidates support citizenship for undocumented immigrants. Candidates have also expressed support for undocumented immigrants receiving federal support for programs such as Medicaid. -
In what direction is the country heading on this issue? What makes you think this?
1) With the upcoming presidential election, the future of this issue can greatly vary depending upon the party of the nominated candidate. If a Democrat is elected, immigration restrictions are more likely to be lessened, while the opposite would occur with a Republican in office. -
What part of this issue has changed the most over time? Why?
2) Of all the aspects that comprise the issue of immigration, the one that has changed the most is the restrictions that immigrants face upon entering the country. While the United States was created by immigration, the national view has changed in a way where immigrants are now seen as a detriment to society. -
Has there been any compromise in the issue?
3) Immigration policy has been, is being, and will be constantly reformed, as different leaders with different views take office. Compromises on this issue are often found in border security, visa limits, and the issue at hand: what benefits immigrants are able to receive. -
Predict what will happen in the future?
4) As mentioned in the first question, the future of this issue is held by the political party that leads the United States. However, with immigration being a pressing issue on the political agenda, more action is likely to be taken and, therefore, more answers are likely to be found. -
Works Cited (Part 1)
Cohn, D. V. (2015, September 30). How U.S. immigration laws and
rules have changed through
history. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/09/30/how-u-s-immigration-laws-and-rules-have-changed-through-history/ How do Undocumented Immigrants Pay Federal Taxes? An Explainer. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://bipartisanpolicy.org/blog/how-do-undocumented-immigrants-pay-federal-taxes-an-explainer/ -
Works Cited (Part 2)
Kamarck, E., & Stenglein, C. (2020, January 14). How many undocumented immigrants are in the United States and who are they? Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/policy2020/votervital/how-many-undocumented-immigrants-are-in-the-united-states-and-who-are-they/ (n.d.). Retrieved from https://history.state.gov/milestones/1921-1936/immigration-act -
Work Cited (Part 3)
Primary Documents in American History. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.loc.gov/rr//program/bib/ourdocs/14thamendment.html Visa Files, July 1, 1924 - March 31, 1944. (2013, September 27). Retrieved from https://www.uscis.gov/history-and-genealogy/genealogy/historical-record-series/visa-files-july-1-1924-march-31-1944
