Article 1 Section 9 Clause 1 (Migration or Importation Clause)
- Prohibited the Congress from interfering with the Slave Trade prior to 1808 except for the ability to tax it.
Text
The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a Tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person.
History
- Congress prohibited the importation of slaves in legislation approved March 2, 1807 that went into effect on January 1, 1808