The Alien Enemies Act, a piece of legislation dating back to 1798, might seem like a dusty relic of a bygone era. However, it's a law that continues to cast a long shadow over immigration policy in the United States, particularly in times of perceived national crisis. This article delves into the Act's history, its application in past and present court cases, and the stark contrast between its historical use and its contemporary role in deportations. What is the Alien Enemies Act? The Alien Enemies Act, passed during the presidency of John Adams, grants the president the power to apprehend, restrain, secure, and remove any alien subject to a foreign government with which the United States is at war or during a declared invasion or predatory incursion. Crucially, the President must issue a public proclamation of such an event before the act can be invoked. This proclamation then authorizes the President to regulate the conduct of alien enemies within the U.S. and deter...