List of United States Immigration Legislation - Pre-1800s

Pre-1800s

• The Naturalization Act of 1790 established the rules for naturalized citizenship, as per Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution, but places no restrictions on immigration. Citizenship is limited to white persons, with no other restriction on non-whites.
• The Naturalization Act of 1795 lengthened required residency to become citizen.
• The Naturalization Act of 1798 further lengthened required residency to become citizen, registers white immigrants to establish date of initial residency.