Alien Fiancées and Fiancés Act of 1946 facts for kids

The Alien Fiancées and Fiancés Act of 1946 was a special law in the United States. It was also known as the G.I. Fiancée Act. This law helped people from other countries who were engaged to American soldiers to come and live in the U.S. It was an extension of an earlier law called the War Brides Act.

This act made it easier for fiancés from places like the Philippines and India to enter the United States. Later, in 1947, the law was changed to also help fiancés from Korea and Japan.

Who Came to the U.S. Under This Act?

Around 45,000 foreign-born women came to the United States because of this law. Most of these women were from Europe. However, many women from Asian countries, especially China, Japan, and the Philippines, also came. Before this act, it was very hard for Asian people to immigrate to the U.S. due to strict rules called "quotas."

What Happened After Arrival?

The law had a specific rule: fiancés who arrived in the United States had to get married within three months. If they did not marry, they could be sent back to their home country. If they did marry within this time, they received "permanent immigrant status." This meant they could live in the U.S. permanently.

This act was important because it allowed many Asian women to immigrate. Some historians believe that allowing Asian women to enter the U.S. under this act helped pave the way for future immigration laws, like the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965.

When Did the Act End?

The Alien Fiancées and Fiancés Act was originally planned to end on July 1, 1947. However, it was extended and finally ended on December 31, 1948. This was the same date that the War Brides Act also expired.

See also

• War Brides Act
• Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965