The strong steps that Adams took in response to the French foreign threat also included severe repression of domestic protest. A series of laws known collectively as the ALIEN AND SEDITION ACTS<span> were passed by the Federalist Congress in 1798 and signed into law by President Adams. These laws included new powers to </span>DEPORT<span> foreigners as well as making it harder for new </span>IMMIGRANTS<span> to vote. Previously a new immigrant would have to reside in the United States for five years before becoming eligible to vote, but a new law raised this to 14 years.</span>
