Final answer:
The Naturalization Act of 1790 established that only 'free white persons' could become U.S. citizens, excluding other racial groups. The 1798 amendments increased the residency requirement to fourteen years and targeted political rivals of the Federalists, impacting different immigrant groups and political dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
- The Naturalization Act of 1790 had a significant impact on the definition and rights of citizenship in the United States. It stated that only 'free white persons' of 'good character' could become citizens, thus restricting citizenship along racial lines and setting the groundwork for a republic that primarily recognized White males. This exclusion of enslaved people, free Black people, Native Americans, and Asians created a foundation for racial discrimination in citizenship laws.
- In 1798, the Naturalization Act was amended to extend the residency requirement for citizenship from five to fourteen years, complicating the path to citizenship for many immigrants. The law specifically targeted those who might oppose the Federalists politically, such as French and Irish immigrants who tended to vote Republican, as well as German immigrants in Pennsylvania. Federalist fears over the loyalty of immigrants in a time of political tension with France led to these restrictive measures. However, such policies ultimately backfired, causing political shifts in key demographics, such as the German voters in Pennsylvania switching their support to the Republican Party.
- Over time, naturalization laws have undergone several changes, with residency requirements eventually being reduced back to five years. In more recent history, laws have made it easier for non-citizens serving in the military to become naturalized citizens. Nonetheless, discussions and policies on immigration and citizenship have continued to shape the social and political landscape of the United States.