How we cite our quotes: (Law.Section)
Quote #1
"...no alien shall be admitted to become a citizen of the United States, or of any state, unless...he shall have declared his intention to become a citizen of the United States, five years, at least, before his admission, and shall, at the time of his application to be admitted, declare and prove, to the satisfaction of the court having jurisdiction in the case, that he has resided within the United States fourteen years, at least..." (Naturalization.1)
Fourteen years. Why would it take so long? The implication is that this weeds out people who would do something illegal. Why fourteen years? Why is that the magic number? Do people with bad intentions stick it out for thirteen and just give up?
Quote #2
"That it shall be lawful for the President of the United States at any time during the continuance of this act, to order all such aliens as he shall judge dangerous to the peace and safety of the United States, or shall have reasonable grounds to suspect are concerned in any treasonable or secret machinations against the government thereof, to depart out of the territory of the United States," (Friends.1)
That's prejudice, right there. The president pre-judges these people are dangerous. There's no trial or anything. So the Alien Friends Act enshrines the concept of prejudice as fine and legal.
Quote #3
"all natives, citizens, denizens, or subjects of the hostile nation or government, being males of the age of fourteen years and upwards, who shall be within the United States, and not actually naturalized, shall be liable to be apprehended, restrained, secured and removed, as alien enemies." (Enemies.1)
That's pre-judging every man over the age of fourteen. That's a lot of people.