The earliest U.S. federal legislation specifically addressing the rules of citizenship came from the Naturalization Act of 1790, which ensured citizenship by bloodline. After the Civil War, the definition of citizenship evolved to reflect the changing nation, leading to the ratification of the 14^th Amendment to the Constitution, which established the ‘birthright’ clause. This ensured that all people born within the United States’ borders were considered citizens of the country. Later, the Immigration Act of 1924 promised citizenship through marriage and family relations, while also setting up the visa system to help monitor entries during an era of great international movement and immigration.

Document A

An excerpt from the Nationality Act of 1790.

“Be it enacted… That any alien being a free white person, who shall have resided within… the United States for the term of two years, may be admitted to become a citizen thereof on application… and taking the oath or affirmation prescribed by law to support the Constitution of the United States… and thereupon such person shall be considered as a Citizen of the United States. And the children of such person… shall also be considered as citizens of the United States. And the children of citizens of the United States that may be born beyond Sea, or out of the limits of the United States, shall be considered as natural born Citizens.”

Document B

“Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”

Document C

“NON-QUOTA IMMIGRANTS. SEC. 4. When used in this Act the term “non-quota immigrant" means-

(a) An immigrant who is the unmarried child under 18 years of age, or the wife, of a citizen of the United States who resides therein applicant….

(e) An immigrant who is a bona fide student at least 15 years of age and who seeks to enter the United States solely for the purpose of study at an accredited school, college, academy, seminary, or university…

NON-QUOTA IMMIGRATION VISAS. SEC. 8. A consular officer may… issue an immigration visa to a non-quota immigrant as such upon satisfactory proof, under regulations prescribed under this Act, that the applicant is entitled to be regarded as a non-quota immigrant.”