Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965

Definition

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 was a landmark legislation in the United States that abolished the quota system based on national origin, significantly altering the country’s immigration policy. This act aimed to reunite immigrant families and attract skilled labor, marking a shift in how immigrants were viewed and allowed into the U.S., moving away from previous policies that favored European immigrants over those from other regions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The act replaced the previous quota system, which had been in place since the 1920s and heavily favored immigrants from Western Europe.
2. Under the 1965 Act, a significant increase in immigration from Asia, Africa, and Latin America occurred as more diverse groups were now eligible to immigrate.
3. The legislation established a preference system that prioritized family reunification and skilled workers, emphasizing humanitarian concerns.
4. The act contributed to a demographic shift in the U.S., leading to a more multicultural society by increasing the population of non-European immigrants.
5. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 laid the groundwork for subsequent immigration policies and discussions about immigration reform in the decades that followed.

Review Questions

• How did the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 change the landscape of immigration policy in the United States?
  • The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 fundamentally transformed U.S. immigration policy by abolishing the discriminatory quota system that had previously limited immigration from non-European countries. This shift allowed for a more diverse group of immigrants to enter the U.S., emphasizing family reunification and skilled labor. As a result, it marked a significant change in who could immigrate, leading to an increase in immigrants from Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
• Discuss the implications of family reunification as a priority established by the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965.
  • Family reunification became a key principle following the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, enabling many U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to bring their relatives to the country. This priority not only emphasized humanitarian values but also helped maintain cultural ties among immigrant communities. It led to increased immigration rates as families sought to support one another, contributing to population diversity in the U.S. and shaping American society as more multicultural.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 on American society and immigration patterns.
  • The long-term effects of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 have been profound, leading to significant demographic changes in American society. By opening doors for immigrants from various backgrounds, it has fostered multiculturalism, impacting everything from workforce dynamics to cultural exchanges. Additionally, this act set off patterns of migration that continue today, as immigrant communities grew and flourished in the U.S., influencing debates on immigration policy and integration practices that remain relevant in contemporary discussions.

Related terms

Quota System: A system established by earlier immigration laws that limited the number of immigrants allowed from each country, favoring certain nationalities over others.

Family Reunification: A principle that prioritizes the immigration of family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, allowing families to live together in the U.S.

Diversity Visa Lottery: A program that provides a limited number of visas annually to individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S., promoting diversity among immigrants.