The POTUS Timeline
Legislation

President Adams signs the Alien Enemies Act

John Adams signed the Alien Enemies Act on July 6, 1798, authorizing the president to detain or deport male citizens of hostile nations in times of declared war or invasion.

President Adams signs the Alien Enemies Act

The law granted broad wartime powers over non-citizens that remain part of U.S. statute and set a precedent for executive authority during international conflicts.

← Back to timeline View John Adams

References / Sources

No source references have been added for this event yet.

Related Timeline Entries