The Alien Registration Act
Passed by Congress on June 29th 1940, the Alien Registration Act prohibited anyone from speaking against the United States government. The act forced millions of immigrants to file reports not only of their occupations, but also of their political views. Thus, the United States ensured a sort of unity throughout the war. However, the Act, still active, allowed for the prosecution of 11 leaders of the American Communist Party. Many more American Communists were jailed in 1951.
McCarran Internal Security Act
Passed by Congress on September 22 1950, the McCarran Internal Security Act forced Communist organizations to register with the Attorney General. Any members of the party were stripped of citizenship and a Subversive Activities Control Board was established to prosecute anyone attempting to promote communist or fascist ideals. The Act was vetoed by Truman but his veto was overriden. The act practically violated civil liberties and was one of the direct effects of the Communist hysteria.
taft-Hartley Act
Passed by Congress on June 23, 1947, the Taft-Hartley Act restricted the activities of large labor unions. Unions were not allowed to go on strike, fund a federal campaign, enact a boycott and etc. In addition, the Act forced the Labor Unions to swear a non-communist oath. Though the act had minimal effect, it still reflected public opinion despite the violation of the First Amendment and other civil liberties.
Through this three acts, one can observe the public opinion and complete disregard of civil liberties caused by anti-communist feelings. Many people were unfairly charged of being Communist and many lives and careers were destroyed in the process. These acts are undemocratic and ultimately un-American in that they strike at the very core ideal of which America is founded upon. America, the land of the free and brave, was no longer free nor brave. Americans were restricted as were Unions. The federal government did little to nothing in preventing the violation of civil liberties. Then president, Harry S. Truman knew the dangers of these acts. The McCarran Internal Security Act, Truman said, weakened internal affairs rather than strengthen it.
"This bill does not resemble the labor legislation which I have recommended to the Congress. The whole purpose of this bill is contrary to the sound growth of our national labor policy." - Harry S. Truman on the veto of the Taft-Hartley Act