Immigration Act of 1990

Definition

The Immigration Act of 1990 was a significant piece of legislation that overhauled the U.S. immigration system, increasing the total number of immigrants allowed into the country and introducing new categories for legal immigration. This act aimed to attract skilled workers and diversify the immigrant population while also addressing issues related to family reunification and humanitarian concerns.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Immigration Act of 1990 increased the annual cap on legal immigration from 540,000 to 700,000, allowing more people to enter the United States.
2. It introduced a new employment-based immigration system, emphasizing the admission of skilled workers and professionals to meet labor market needs.
3. The act established the Diversity Visa Lottery, which allocated visas to individuals from countries with low immigration rates to ensure a more diverse immigrant population.
4. Family reunification remained a priority, with provisions that allowed U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor family members for immigration.
5. The legislation also included measures for refugees and asylum seekers, enhancing protections for individuals fleeing persecution or violence.

Review Questions

• How did the Immigration Act of 1990 change the landscape of U.S. immigration policy, particularly regarding skilled workers?
  • The Immigration Act of 1990 marked a shift in U.S. immigration policy by increasing the focus on skilled workers. The act introduced a new employment-based immigration category, which prioritized the admission of professionals and individuals with specialized skills needed in the labor market. This change aimed to address economic demands while also ensuring that the immigrant population contributed positively to American society.
• What were some key features of the Diversity Visa Lottery established by the Immigration Act of 1990, and how did it impact immigrant demographics?
  • The Diversity Visa Lottery was designed to promote a more varied immigrant demographic by granting visas to individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. This lottery system helped diversify the immigrant population, as it provided opportunities for people who might not have qualified under traditional family-based or employment-based categories. As a result, it contributed to a more multicultural society by encouraging individuals from various backgrounds to settle in America.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Immigration Act of 1990 on U.S. immigration trends and its effects on American society.
  • The long-term implications of the Immigration Act of 1990 are evident in the changing trends of U.S. immigration, as it opened doors for a diverse array of immigrants who brought different skills and cultural perspectives. By prioritizing skilled workers and creating avenues for family reunification and diversity, the act shaped American society into a more multicultural environment. Additionally, it influenced ongoing debates around immigration reform by highlighting the need for policies that balance economic needs with humanitarian concerns, which continue to resonate in contemporary discussions about immigration.

Related terms

Family-Based Immigration: A system that allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor relatives for immigration to the United States.

Diversity Visa Lottery: A program established by the Immigration Act of 1990 that provides visas to individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S., promoting diversity in the immigrant population.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS): A form of humanitarian relief that allows individuals from designated countries experiencing conflict or natural disasters to remain in the U.S. temporarily without fear of deportation.