The Alien and Sedition Acts were four bills passed in 1798 by the Federalists in the 5th United States
Congress.
The Naturalization Act replaced the Naturalization Act of 1795 to extend the duration of residence required
for aliens to become citizens of the United States from five years to fourteen years.
The Alien Act authorized the president to deport any resident alien considered "dangerous to the peace and
safety of the United States." It was activated June 25, 1798, with a two year expiration date.
The Alien Enemies Act authorized the president to apprehend and deport resident aliens if their home
countries were at war with the United States of America. Enacted July 6, 1798, and providing no sunset
provision, the act remains intact today as 50 U.S.C. §§ 21–24. At the time, war was considered likely
between the U.S. and France.
The Sedition Act made it a crime to publish "false, scandalous, and malicious writing" against the
government or its officials. It was enacted July 14, 1798, with an expiration date of March 3, 1801 (the day
before Adams' presidential term was to end).