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Naturalization Act of 1790
An alien could become an American citizen if they were white and not currently under slavery. -
Amendment 14
Overruled the Supreme Court's ruling in the case "Dred Scott v. Sandford" that black people could never be American citizens. -
The Chinese Exclusion Act
Citizenship was to be denied to all Chinese immigrants. -
Alien Contract Labor Law
Barred certain laborers from immigrating to the United States. -
Federal Government's Assumed Role
The Federal Government assumed the position of inspecting, monitoring, accepting, rejecting and processing all immigrants wanting to become U.S. citizens. -
Naturalization Act of 1906
Required immigrants to learn English. -
Immigration Act of 1917
"Asia Barred Zone." Overriding President Wilson's veto, The law prevents immigrants from a large portion of Asia and some Pacific islands from entering the U.S. -
Immigration Act of 1924
Allowed only a certain number of immigrants into the country based on the percentage of those types of immigrants already in the U.S. -
The Alien Registration Act of 1940
It became mandatory that all immigrants admitted into the U.S. register with the government and get an Alien Registration Receipt Card. -
Act of 1968
Did away with U.S. immigration discrimination based on race, birthplace, gender, and residence. Restrictions on Oriental U.S. immigration were also then lifted. -
Refugee Act of 1980
The U.S. began accepting reugees into the country. -
Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986
Employers must reveal their employees legal status upon request. Employers cannot hire illegals if they know that they are illegal.
Prevented marriage fraud. -
Immigration Act of 1990
Increased the limits on legal immigration to the United States, and revised all grounds for exclusion and deportation. Homosexuality was removed from exclusion. -
Arizona SB 1070
Aliens over the age of 14 in the country longer than 30 days must register with the government. Racial profiling is also encouraged in determining legal investigation.