This very short lived immigration policy is barely a footnote in our history. Adams enacted this in 1798 and Thomas Jefferson repealed it in 1802. Adams claimed the law was for national security but most historians believe it was to block new immigrants from voting. Jefferson and the Democratic-Republicans where the opposition to Adams Federalist Party. You can see the divided politics has been going on since the founding about the direction of the United States. This Immigration policy basically only made it take longer to become a citizen once arriving here but they had to declare they wished to do so.
The first immigration policies 1790 said you didn't have to declare and must be a resident for two years before be eligible for citizenship. The 1795 act changed you had wait at least three years after declaring to become a citizen and you must have lived in the United States for five years. Adams law pushed the declare to five years and residence to 14 years trying to control the upcoming elections. (maybe sound a little familiar) Of all of these where for free White and European citizens as slavery was still prominent. This act is the first to record immigration, maintain records of residence, and make certificates of residence. Adams party was losing ground and this act was his attempt to help him keep the Presidency.
While the problem has changed over the years immigration has evolved many times. We now have a President who would like to use Amnesty to gain votes for his party. If you believe he has any other motives you would be fooling yourselves but the votes is what he and Democrats covet. It's why the left and Democrats paint anybody not for comprehensive immigration reform (Amnesty) as hating people of color. We tried this once before (1986) immigration act which gave amnesty and nothing has changed for our Federal Government has failed us. We want hard working people of all countries to come here, We want them to enjoy this Country, We want them to have the freedoms we have. We ask only that you come legally, We don't believe this is too much to ask.
Any form of amnesty would be rewarding lawlessness, and encouraging more of the same. We don't need fences nor walls. Take a look at Canada. You sneak in, you lose. Anything you have is confiscated and you go to jail before being deported. They've never had a problem with illegal aliens trying to sneak in and take advantage of their socialized medicine or welfare system. Their children can't claim citizenship because they weren't supposed to be there in the first place. We need a crackdown on employers and those who have made a career of manipulating our system of welfare. Don't expect any of this from the present administration. Vote in November for a real 'change'.
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