The United States Constitution sets the rules for the U.S. government. However, it does not say anything about immigration. Immigration is the term used when people move to another country to live. The United States' ideas about immigration have changed many times.

There are three parts to the federal, or national, government. They are called branches. The executive branch is led by the president. Congress is the legislative branch. The judicial branch is the system of courts. The U.S. Constitution explains their powers. However, which one has power over immigration isn't clear.

At first, the country had no limits on immigration. In 1875, Congress passed the first law about it. Lawmakers blocked immigrants who were criminals. In 1882, Congress stopped people who were very poor from coming to the United States.

Congress passed the Chinese Exclusion Act that same year. It blocked Chinese people from moving to the U.S.

Court Says Congress Can Throw Out Foreigners

That law was challenged in the U.S. Supreme Court. It makes decisions that affect the whole country. The case was Chae Chan Ping v. United States. In 1889, the court ruled that Congress could keep out noncitizens. The ruling said this power was part of being an independent country. In 1893, the court made another important ruling. It said Congress had the power to deport, or throw out, any foreigner.

Congress took a more active role in immigration after that. In the 1920s, it limited the number of immigrants who could come from each country. At the time, most immigrants came from Europe.

In 1952, Congress passed the Immigration and Naturalization Act. This law made clearer what the government could do about immigration. The law was adjusted in 1965. Reuniting families was said to be the most important thing. Immigrants could come and join their families who were already in the United States. In the years that followed, Congress also increased the number of immigrants allowed in. In 2001, Congress passed the Patriot Act. It increased background checks on immigrants.

U.S. Has History of Allowing in Refugees

Historically, the United States also has welcomed refugees. Refugees are people escaping danger. They may feel unsafe in their home country.

U.S. actions on immigration have changed through the years. Sometimes the country has opened its doors. Sometime it has set more limits. Some of this confusion is due to the Constitution. It lacks clear rules about who is in charge of immigration. At different times, each branch has had a say.