[Elsie]

possibly not, as these did work as real means of commerce - for a 10-11 months anyway.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirtland_Safety_Society

[Elsie]

The United States Immigration Act of 1891 authorized the implementation of inspection stations at ports of entry along the Mexican and Canadian borders.

 

The United States Immigration Act of 1917 required the passing of a literacy test and a head tax by Mexicans wanting to enter the United States legally; however, during World War I, when labor shortages grew, the provisions were temporarily suspended.

 

The United States Immigration Act of 1924 established the United States Border Patrol.^[20]

[TigersEye]

Well ... it was just a wild guess! :)