Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798

Definition

These were four laws passed by the Federalist-dominated Congress, aimed at suppressing dissent against the federal government. They made it harder for immigrants to become citizens (Naturalization Act), allowed for the deportation of foreigners deemed dangerous (Alien Friends Act), permitted the arrest and deportation of foreigners in times of war (Alien Enemies Act), and criminalized making false statements that were critical of the federal government (Sedition Act).

Related terms

Naturalization Act: A law that extended the duration immigrants had to live in the U.S. before becoming citizens from 5 years to 14 years.

Alien Friends Act: A law that gave the president power to deport any foreigner he thought was dangerous to national security.

Sedition Act: A law that made it a crime for American citizens to "write, print, utter, or publish...any false, scandalous and malicious writing" about the Government.