Alien Registration Act of 1940
6/28/1940
Add to Favorites:
Add all page(s) of this document to activity:
Add only page 1 to activity:
Add only page 2 to activity:
Add only page 3 to activity:
Add only page 4 to activity:
Add only page 5 to activity:
Add only page 6 to activity:
Add only page 7 to activity:
Add only page 8 to activity:
Add only page 9 to activity:
The Alien Registration Act, also called the Smith Act, was an "Act to prohibit certain subversive activities; to amend certain provisions of law with respect to the admission and deportation of aliens; to require the fingerprinting and registration of aliens; and for other purposes."
It made it illegal to help or promote the overthrow or destruction of the Government. It also required that all persons who were not citizens or nationals of the United States and were living within U.S. borders go to the local post office and register their alien status with the Government. The registration process included filling out a questionnaire and having fingerprints taken. Certain exclusions applied for diplomats, employees of foreign governments, and children under the age of 14.
It made it illegal to help or promote the overthrow or destruction of the Government. It also required that all persons who were not citizens or nationals of the United States and were living within U.S. borders go to the local post office and register their alien status with the Government. The registration process included filling out a questionnaire and having fingerprints taken. Certain exclusions applied for diplomats, employees of foreign governments, and children under the age of 14.
This primary source comes from the General Records of the United States Government.
Full Citation: Alien Registration Act of 1940; 6/28/1940; Public Law 76-670; Enrolled Acts and Resolutions of Congress, 1789 - 2011; General Records of the United States Government, Record Group 11; National Archives Building, Washington, DC. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/alien-registration-act, March 21, 2025]Activities that use this document
- The SS Quanza and European War Refugees
Created by the National Archives Education Team
Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.
