2007-03-23 10:29:37 · 4 answers · asked by Omar E 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Immigration
Populate new territory.
2007-03-23 10:31:50 · answer #1 · answered by Year of the Monkey 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Homestead Act was a United States Federal law that gave freehold title to 160 acres (about 65 hectares) of undeveloped land in the American West. The person to whom title was granted had to be at least 21 years of age, and to have built on the section, and lived in for 5 years, a house that was at least 12 by 14 feet (3.6 x 4.3 m) in size. The Act was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln on May 20, 1862.
It was to encourage the people to go to less populated parts of the nation.
2007-03-23 18:01:14 · answer #2 · answered by Yakuza 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Increase the value of the western territories in question by having them developed into productive farms. If the farms weren't productive, the farmers didn't last out the 5 years to earn the land.
2007-03-23 19:12:28 · answer #3 · answered by DAR 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To help illegal aliens stay in America longer
2007-03-23 18:12:07 · answer #4 · answered by Lou Dobbs 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋