Laws passed by the US Congress 1798, when war
with France seemed likely. The acts
lengthened the period of residency required
for US citizenship, gave the president the
power to expel `dangerous' aliens, and
severely restricted criticism of the
government. They were controversial because
of the degree of power exercised by central
government; they are now also seen as an
early manifestation of US xenophobia (fear of
foreigners).