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The Story of Disability Justice

Massachusetts prohibits people with disabilities from entering the colonies.

Date: 1700

The Story of Disability Justice
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DCRJ

This encodes ableism into immigration law by using language such as "lame, impotent, or infirm persons." This law will be amended in 1722 to guarantee that no immigrant will become a "public charge." It also requires shipmasters to submit their passenger list to town selectmen or the town treasurer so they can determine who, if anyone, is fit to enter.