jun 27, 1906 - Naturalization Act of 1906

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Congress passes this law, setting a variety of standards for 'naturalizing' or becoming a citizen of the United States. A main provision was that anybody seeking citizenship in the United States must be able to speak and understand English, even though the United States does not have an official language. This policy has been expanded and remains in effect today.

The goal was to ensure immigrants arriving to the US were able to assimilate quickly. It also, coupled with other provisions in the bill, aimed to slow the increase in immigration into the United States that was occurring during this time.

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