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Pilgrims in Plymouth
English pilgrims settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts. They were seeking religious freedom. They immigrated and settled in Plymouth. This was the beginning of European migration. -
French and Indian War
This war initially allowed for the westward expansion for colonists. This leads into the future settlement of other migrants into the U.S. -
Declaration of Independence
Drafted by Thomas Jefferson, this document shapes our government. It has made this country what it is today and what makes it so appealing to immigrants then and now. -
Naturalization Act
The act restricted citizenship only to free white men who have lived in the U.S. for five years or more. This clearly made it very possible for any colored race to become citizens. -
Louisiana Purchase
This agreement opened the door for expansion in the west. Jefferson proposed this agreement to France. Napoleon sold Louisiana and as a result the United States of America expanded. Those living in the territory became American citizens. -
Mexican-American War begins
This war had a great impact on the Southwest. It later resulted in the established border of the Rio Grande River and the United States gained territories such as Arizona, California, New Mexico, and more that are still states today. -
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
The treaty ended the Mexican American War. It also granted nearly 80,000 southwestern Mexicans citizenship. -
Nativity of citizens
A census that occurs still today had a small change back in 1850. This was the year that the nativity of citizens was surveyed. This means that the individual's country of birth became an important aspect to the census. -
End of the Civil War
The growing industrial economy after the civil war called for more workers. This brought about an increase in migration. Even today, migrants come to the U.S. to work. This is a very common reason why many immigrants come to this country. -
The Fourteenth Amendment
This amendment defines a citizen in the country. It provides equal rights for all citizens in the U.S. The amendment states that no person can be denied "life, liberty or property, without due process of law." This movement toward equality has contributed to people's more positive outlook on different groups of people. -
Alien Contract Labor Law
This event prohibited the importation of foreigners into the United States to be used for labor. While many migrants have arrived in this country because of labor, this act pressed stricter laws on companies and industries. -
Ellis Island
In the first year, 450,000 immigrants passed through the island. The first immigration station officially opened in 1892. This increased immigration into the United States dramatically. -
Great Depression
The Great Depression brought a decrease in migration. The country was experiencing a devastating economy. Therefore, the country lost most of its appeal to immigrants looking for work or a stable place to live. -
Immigration Reform and Control Act
The IRCA made a large impact on United States immigration. It reformed the status of qualified employment in the workplace and granted millions of immigrants amnesty. -
The Immigration Act of 1990
This act actually made several changes to the immigration system. Among these changes include the limits on legal immigration being increased and a new and revised Visa Program being implemented. -
Arizona's SB1070
Known as the strictest anti-illegal immigration law in history. Governor Jan Brewer signed the bill on April 23. The law stirred up much controversy and still does.
