Slave importing is prohibited in the U.S.

Congress passes legislation to “prohibit the importation of slaves into any port or place within the jurisdiction of the United States. . . from any foreign kingdom, place, or country.” The legislation, which does not affect enslaved people already in the U.S. or the slave trade between states, goes into effect on January 1, 1808. A similar law passed by Parliament, which prohibits the use of British ships to transport enslaved people, goes into effect in Britain.