The Criminal Aliens Act of 1788 is often confused with laws passed later regarding immigration, but in reality, it refers to laws passed in the U.S. during a time when the country was just beginning to define its legal approach to foreign nationals. Specifically, it is connected to the broader historical context of how states dealt with foreigners who were perceived as threats or undesirables. Here’s a brief overview:
Historical Context:
In the late 18th century, the United States was newly independent and still forming its identity. Foreign nationals, including those from countries like Britain or France, were present in the U.S., and some were seen as a potential threat to the nascent nation.
In 1788, concerns over the influence of foreigners led some states to pass local laws targeting "dangerous" aliens, particularly if they were involved in criminal activity.
Criminal Aliens and State Authority:
During this time, states like New York, Massachusetts, and Virginia sought to assert their own authority over how they dealt with criminal aliens, which meant foreigners who were accused or convicted of crimes.
These laws allowed states to expel or restrict individuals considered dangerous to the public or to state security. This was before the federal government fully took control of immigration policy in the United States.
Connection to the Alien and Sedition Acts:
While the Criminal Aliens Act of 1788 isn't directly tied to a specific federal law with that title, it is often mentioned in connection with the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798.
The Alien and Sedition Acts included measures that allowed the federal government to detain or deport foreigners considered dangerous or who posed a threat during times of war.
Legal Legacy:
These early state laws regarding criminal aliens set a precedent for later federal legislation on immigration and foreign nationals. They reflected early American concerns about national security and the role of non-citizens in the country.
Over time, the federal government would consolidate its authority over immigration law, with major changes occurring in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Though often overlooked in the broader sweep of U.S. legal history, these early regulations like the ones from 1788 show the formative period when states exercised considerable power over issues like immigration and public safety.
Trump's plan to use the Alien Enemies Act to deport violent immigrants would face challenges since the act only applies during wartime and to nationals of enemy countries. He could only use it if the U.S. were in a state of war or active hostilities with a specific nation. Most violent immigrants wouldn't fall under this scope, and deportations of criminals are already handled under existing immigration laws. Expanding the act's use would likely require new legislation and face legal battles due to constitutional protections and due process rights.
The Criminal Aliens Act of 1788 is often confused with laws passed later regarding immigration, but in reality, it refers to laws passed in the U.S. during a time when the country was just beginning to define its legal approach to foreign nationals. Specifically, it is connected to the broader historical context of how states dealt with foreigners who were perceived as threats or undesirables. Here’s a brief overview:
In the late 18th century, the United States was newly independent and still forming its identity. Foreign nationals, including those from countries like Britain or France, were present in the U.S., and some were seen as a potential threat to the nascent nation.
In 1788, concerns over the influence of foreigners led some states to pass local laws targeting "dangerous" aliens, particularly if they were involved in criminal activity.
During this time, states like New York, Massachusetts, and Virginia sought to assert their own authority over how they dealt with criminal aliens, which meant foreigners who were accused or convicted of crimes.
These laws allowed states to expel or restrict individuals considered dangerous to the public or to state security. This was before the federal government fully took control of immigration policy in the United States.
While the Criminal Aliens Act of 1788 isn't directly tied to a specific federal law with that title, it is often mentioned in connection with the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798.
The Alien and Sedition Acts included measures that allowed the federal government to detain or deport foreigners considered dangerous or who posed a threat during times of war.
These early state laws regarding criminal aliens set a precedent for later federal legislation on immigration and foreign nationals. They reflected early American concerns about national security and the role of non-citizens in the country.
Over time, the federal government would consolidate its authority over immigration law, with major changes occurring in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Though often overlooked in the broader sweep of U.S. legal history, these early regulations like the ones from 1788 show the formative period when states exercised considerable power over issues like immigration and public safety.
Trump's plan to use the Alien Enemies Act to deport violent immigrants would face challenges since the act only applies during wartime and to nationals of enemy countries. He could only use it if the U.S. were in a state of war or active hostilities with a specific nation. Most violent immigrants wouldn't fall under this scope, and deportations of criminals are already handled under existing immigration laws. Expanding the act's use would likely require new legislation and face legal battles due to constitutional protections and due process rights.
America is always under attack and at war.. Cut off the benefits to non USA citizens.
The "War of Terror" is still ongoing. Trump can pretty much do what he wants.