In July 1843 the Mexican government issued orders to the governor of the Californias, explaining that because “it is not proper for natives of the United States of the North to reside in your department,” all such settlers should be forced to leave “in the reasonable time which you may fix for that purpose; and that henceforward no individual belonging to the said United States is to be allowed to enter the said department.” After pressure from the United States, the Mexican government clarified that the expulsion order applied only “to foreigners, of whatever nation, who, from their misconduct, are considered as vagabonds, and as injurious to public tranquility.” Nevertheless, recent immigrants “should not be allowed to settle,” though they could remain for the purpose of “engaging in commerce.” (“Official Papers,” Daily National Intelligencer [Washington DC], 13 July 1844, [2].)

Daily National Intelligencer. Washington DC. 1800–1869.