People in power generally want to retain that power and will bend the rules to ensure that happens. In 1798 most immigrants were supporting the Democratic-Republican group headed by Thomas Jefferson. The Federalists, who had a majority in Congress, then increased the time required to become an American citizen from five to 14 years. The president was also allowed to arrest and deport non-citizens who were considered dangerous or had immigrated from a hostile nation.
The Federalists also went after the press. Under the Sedition Act of 1798 people who made false statements critical of the government could be arrested. Over 20 newspaper publishers (all from papers supporting the Democratic-Republicans) were jailed.
Thus way back in 1798, a decade after the Founding, we had anti-immigrant laws, deportations, voter suppression, and attacks on the press. Good to know our traditions continue.
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