1866The Civil Rights Bill passed over President Andrew Johnson’s veto. This was the first federal law to define citizenship and affirm that all citizens are equally protected by the law.1963Former British prime minister Winston Churchill became the first honorary U.S. citizen. Since then, seven other people have been given the honor — six posthumously. Churchill and Mother Teresa are the only ones to receive the status during their lifetimes. Honorary citizenship can be granted by act of Congress or by …