This document provides an overview of U.S. immigration policy from 1790 to the present. It discusses how stereotypes and fears influenced the development of exclusionary policies over time, from the Alien and Sedition Acts to the National Origins System and Bracero Program. While immigration was initially encouraged, the gold rush and increased Catholic immigration led to restrictive laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act. The document concludes by noting how the immigration debate continues today regarding issues like amnesty, border security, and proposed legislation.