The United States is home to about one-fifth of the world’s immigrants, who come from virtually every country in the world. Immigration laws can be complex and difficult to decipher for many families who want nothing more than to be in the U.S. legally. Unfortunately, the fate of immigrants often hinges on the administration in the White House at any given time.
Although what a candidate promises to do during his or her administration may or may not happen, it can be frightening to hear talk about deportation or the Alien Enemies Act. If you or a loved one is uncertain about an immigration issue or status, it can be helpful to speak to an experienced Bloomingdale, IL immigration attorney from Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices.
What Is the 1798 Alien Enemies Act?
The 1798 Alien Enemies Act was passed to prepare for the anticipated war with France. The Act tightened restrictions on Americans who were not born in the United States while also limiting any speech that was critical of the United States government. The government of the U.S. feared that non-citizens, or “aliens,” might be sympathizers with the French. Because of this fear, four laws were passed, known collectively as the Alien and Sedition Acts. These laws did the following: