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Oct 12, 1492
First arrivals
Genocide of indigenous peoples begins with Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas. -
Salves
First shipload of 20 indentured African slaves arrive in Jamestown, Virginia. -
Jewish settlers
First Jewish immigrants to the New World (originating from Brazil) settle in New Amsterdam. -
Scots-Irish immigration
Scottish and Irish immigration begins with most of them settling in New England, Maryland and Pennsylvania -
Naturalization Act
"The Naturalization Act of 1790 limits the right of become a naturalized citizen to "free white persons," thereby excluding Africans and Asians. US government takes the first steps toward closing its open attitudes about immigrants by limiting those who could become naturalized citizens on the basis of race and political affiliation. Law remained for 162 years" (no author).
Source: http://www.idexer.com/articles/immigration_response.htm -
Importation on black slaves
The U.S. Congress says it is illegal to import African slaves. -
"Know-Nothing"
A Nativist political party is founded. Ten years later, a similar anti-immigrant "Know-Nothing" political party reaches its peak of support. -
Irish-born citizens
New York becomes the largest Irish city in the world, with 203,760 Irish-born citizens. -
Chinese Exclusion Act
Chinese Exclusion Act: Chinese laborers are denied citizenship and entry into the U.S. -
Immigration Act
Immigration Act establishes the Bureau of Immigration and the first comprehensive law for immigration control, directing the deportation of aliens unlawfully in the U.S. -
Mexican Immigration
Immigration Act: Mexicans are exempted from anti-immigration laws so that they can provide labor. -
Emergency Immigration
Emergency Immigration Restriction Law introduces a quota system that favors northern and western Europeans. -
Ozawa Ruling
Ozawa Ruling: Japanese immigrant, Takao Ozawa, challenges the Supreme Court saying he qualified for citizenship but was denied because he was not "Caucasian." -
Immigration and Naturalization Act imposes
Immigration and Naturalization Act imposes the first permanent numeric limits on immigration. The category of "Entry without Inspection" is created, officially labeling those who cross U.S. borders without immigration documents. The U.S. Border Patrol is created, in large part to control Chinese immigration to the U.S. across the U.S.-Mexico border. -
Immigration Act Increases
Immigration Act increases legal immigration ceilings by 40 percent; triples employment-based immigration, which emphasizes skills; creates a diversity admissions category; and establishes temporary protected status for those jeopardized by armed conflict or natural disasters in their native countries.
