Kind of. You weren't given many rights unless you did it right. For instance, paupers were often excluded from American cities as early as the 1700's. As for

Kind of. You weren't given many rights unless you did it right. For instance, paupers were often excluded from American cities as early as the 1700's. As for immigration quotas, early American colonies were more concerned with increasing immigration. America was big and empty. If you had money, you were welcome. About that. If you didn't have money, you became an indentured servant. Took half your life to pay it off. Not a real citizen until then. So, sure, you could come to America. But it wasn't all honey and roses. It was different, but not much better.