1st Hispanic American Treasurer of the United States

Romana Acosta Benuelos became the first US treasurer in 1971 making her the highest ranking Hispanic-American.  Originally deported early in her life despite being born as a citizen of the US. After her husband left her and her 2 children when Romana was 18, she moved to the US and quickly became a successful business woman.  After this she became President Nixon's treasurer.

Hispanics Become U.S. Citizens

1846
The United States invades Mexico under the banner of Manifest Destiny. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the Mexican War that same year. Under the treaty, half the land area of Mexico, including Texas, California, most of Arizona and New Mexico, and parts of Colorado, Utah, and Nevada, is ceded to the United States. The treaty gives Mexican nationals one year to choose U.S. or Mexican citizenship. Approximately 75,000 Hispanic people choose to remain in the United States and become citizens by conquest.

Immigration Act of 1990

       This act increased the number of legal immigrants that were allowed into the United States. The Immigration Act of 1990 is significant because it made it easier for immigrants in countries where the United States did not frequently give visas a chance to immigrate. It also allowed homosexuals and people with AIDS to become immigrants. The act did strengthen border patrols.

Spanish American War

         The war was between Spain and the United States. The war began because the U.S. Battleship Maine sank in the Havana harbor. The United States won the war. The result was the treaty of Paris. The war was significant because it Spain’s military was blamed for the defeat. It also caused some Spanish people to lose trust in their country. Some say it may have led to the Second Republic and Civil War.