ALIEN+AND+SEDITION+ACTS

=ALIEN AND SEDITION ACTS //__author: Rikki Beason__// = ====In 1798 four laws were passed called the Alien and sedition acts. The laws were passed by our 2nd president ,John Adams.These laws were made while they were preparing war with france. The laws made the residency requirement longer from 5 years to 14 years, authorized the president to imprison or deport aliens considered "dangerous to the peace and safety of the United States" and restricted speech critical to the government. Negative reaction to the Alien and Sedition Acts helped contribute to the Democratic-Republican victory in the 1800 elections. Congress repealed the Naturalization Act in 1802, while the other acts were allowed to expire.====

The Alien and Sedition Acts

 * 1) The Naturalization Act - Which extended the time period from 5 to 14 years for those Aliens trying to gain citizenship. *This law was aimed at the irish and french immigrants who were often interested in Republican politics.
 * 2) The Alien Act - Which allowed the expulsion of aliens deemed dangerous during peacetime.
 * 3) The Alien Enemies Act - Which allowed the expulsion or imprisonment of aliens deemed dangerous during wartime.* This was never enforced, but it did prompt numerous Frenchmen to return home.
 * 4) The Sedition Act - Which provided for fines or imprisonment for individuals who criticized the government, Congress, or president in speech or print.