Becoming American: A Historical Context 

 "To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child. 

For what is the worth of human life, unless it is woven into the 

life of our ancestors by the records of history?"

     The preceding words by Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman orator and philosopher (106 BC-43 BC), underscore the connection between life's events, human development, and historical inspection; the process of learning requires an appreciation of things past and present.  Just think how the examination of our lives, including our presence in America, is shaped by our ancestors.  What economic, religious, political, and social forces drove our ancestors to the shores of America?  How did our colonial heritage impact how the Founding Fathers defined citizenship?  How did U.S. technological invention and the expansion of our frontiers impact the lives of our native population, former colonists, enslaved people, and immigrants?  

     As America struggled with its national identity and place in the world--i.e., the institution of slavery and the country's shift from isolationism to globalism--its immigration and citizenship laws reflected both the promise and shortcomings of the nation.  Eloquence such as "Give me your tired, your poor, / Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free" was coupled with vitriol such as  "Irish and Chinese Need Not Apply" and "Catholics, Jew, Blacks, and Dogs Not Allowed."  Accordingly, in order to understand our immigrant experience, we must revisit significant events that define our nation.  Right or wrong, our immigration and citizenship policies reflect the nature of our times, complete with good intentions, indifference, injustice, and oftentimes, redemption.  

     The timelines presented below provide the historical context for a deeper understanding of these policies.  May we always be sensitive to the "records of history" championed by Cicero.  (Access the scrollbar for each timeline by hovering just below each section's colored text boxes.)