1790 | The federal government requires two years of residency for naturalization |
1952 | Immigration and Nationality Act: individuals of all races eligible for naturalization; reaffirms national origins quota system, limits immigration from Eastern Hemisphere; establishes preferences for skilled workers and relatives of U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens; and tightens security and screening standards and procedures | |
1953 | Congress amends 1948 refugee policy to allow for the admission of 200,000 more refugees | |
1863 | Conscription Act requires all white men 20-45 years of age eligible for the Union draft. Over one hundred people die during New York City draft riot. | |
1864 | Congress legalizes the importation of contract laborers |
1980 | The Refugee Act redefines criteria and procedures for admitting refugees. |
1929 | Congress makes annual immigration quotas permanent. |
1986 | Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) legalizes illegal aliens residing in the US unlawfully since 1982. |
1845 | Potato crop fails in Ireland sparking the Potato Famine that kills one million and prompts almost 500,000 to immigrate to America in the next five years. |
1819 | Congress establishes reporting on immigration |
1885 | Congress bans the admission of contract laborers |
1948 | The United States admits persons fleeing persecution in their native lands; allowing 205,000 refugees to enter within two years |