last updated 04/06/02
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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