1773 – England Stops Emigration to the Colonies; Fines Imposed upon Emigrants and Ship Masters Violating the Law

“[F]rom the time of James II to the accession of George III, the British authorities generally were active in fostering foreign immigration… After 1773, all naturalization was abruptly stopped, and in the next year, heavy financial burdens were imposed upon emigrants and shipmasters who violated the law–a change in policy that was not overlooked by the American Revolutionists when they compiled their grievances against George III in the Declaration of Independence.”