Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965

Definition

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, also known as the Hart-Celler Act, was a significant piece of legislation that transformed the American immigration system by abolishing the national origins quota that had been in place since the 1920s. This act shifted the focus from limiting immigrants based on their country of origin to emphasizing family reunification and attracting skilled labor, which opened the doors to a more diverse influx of immigrants into the United States.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The act eliminated the national origins quota system, which had restricted immigration based on ethnicity and nationality for over three decades.
2. It established a new preference system for immigration based on family connections and skills rather than nationality.
3. The act significantly increased immigration from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, reshaping the demographic makeup of the U.S.
4. It also laid the groundwork for future immigration reforms by changing public perceptions about immigrants and their contributions to society.
5. The passage of the act was part of a broader civil rights movement aimed at achieving equality and dismantling discriminatory policies in America.

Review Questions

• How did the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 change the previous immigration policies in the United States?
  • The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 marked a major shift in U.S. immigration policy by abolishing the national origins quota system that had favored certain countries over others. This previous system limited immigration primarily to Northern and Western Europeans. With the new law, immigration was prioritized based on family reunification and skills, allowing for a more diverse population to enter the U.S. This change led to significant demographic shifts in American society.
• What were the broader societal implications of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 regarding diversity in America?
  • The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 had profound societal implications by allowing for increased immigration from various parts of the world, particularly Asia, Africa, and Latin America. As a result, American society became increasingly multicultural, leading to greater diversity in culture, language, and traditions. This act also contributed to changing perceptions about immigrants, highlighting their valuable contributions to American society and economy, ultimately fostering a more inclusive national identity.
• Evaluate how the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 has influenced contemporary immigration debates in the United States.
  • The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 has had lasting effects on contemporary immigration debates by shaping current discussions about family reunification policies and skilled labor preferences. The act’s legacy is evident in ongoing arguments surrounding immigration reform, as many advocate for maintaining pathways for family-based immigration while others push for merit-based systems. Additionally, as new immigrant populations continue to emerge due to this act, issues related to integration, cultural identity, and social cohesion are frequently debated within American society.

Related terms

National Origins Quota: A system established in the 1920s that set strict limits on immigration from specific countries, favoring Northern and Western Europeans while severely restricting entries from Southern and Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Family Reunification: A policy priority that allows immigrants to sponsor family members for entry into the United States, which was a key feature of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965.

Diversity Visa Program: A U.S. government program created to promote immigration from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States, established as part of efforts to enhance diversity in the immigrant population.