In 1798, with the U.S. preparing for what it believed would be a war with France, Congress passed a series of laws that increased the federal government’s reach. The Alien Enemies Act was created to give the president wide powers to imprison and deport noncitizens in time of war.

President Donald Trump on March 17 defended the use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 in deportations when asked about its three prior uses during wartime.