Immigration Timeline in the United States
This page presents a chronological overview of significant events and legislation related to Mexican immigration to the United States History and immigration in general.
Key events include:
1790: First Naturalization Law allows any "free white person" to apply for citizenship after two years of residence.
1815-1891: Irish Immigrant Wave and increased immigration from Western Europe.
1875: Supreme Court declares immigration law enforcement a federal responsibility.
1880-1920: Second Wave of immigration brings over 20 million immigrants to the US.
1882: Chinese Exclusion Act is passed.
1891: Immigration Act excludes certain groups from entering the US.
1892: Ellis Island opens in New York Harbor.
1924: Immigration Act limits the number of immigrants allowed.
1942-1962: Mexican workers fill labor shortages during and after World War II.
2012: DACA DeferredActionforChildhoodArrivals is implemented.
Vocabulary: Immigration to the U.S. today refers to the current state of immigration policies, trends, and challenges in the United States.
This timeline illustrates the evolving nature of US immigration policies and the changing demographics of immigrant groups over time.