Question

What motive did the Federalists have for pushing the Alien Act through Congress in 1798?

Answer 1

To make it harder for immigrants to the US to become a citizen and easier to deport them and also to limit their right to vote. It was defended by the Federalists as being for national security during an undeclared war with France. While three of its provisions were repealed by the Democrats, one remained and was used by FDR to intern the Japanese in WWII.