key term - Immigration and Nationality Act

Definition

The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) is a federal law that governs immigration and naturalization policies in the United States. It establishes the legal framework for determining who is allowed to enter, live, and work in the country, as well as the process for becoming a U.S. citizen.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The INA was first enacted in 1952 and has been amended numerous times, most significantly in 1965 and 1986.
2. The INA abolished the previous national origins quota system, which had favored European immigrants, and instead established a preference system based on skills, family relationships, and diversity.
3. The INA sets annual limits on the number of immigrants allowed to enter the United States, with different categories for family-sponsored, employment-based, and diversity-based visas.
4. The INA grants the president the authority to set refugee admission levels and defines the criteria for asylum eligibility.
5. The INA also outlines the grounds for inadmissibility and deportability, such as criminal convictions, public health concerns, and national security threats.

Review Questions

• Explain how the Immigration and Nationality Act has impacted the racial and ethnic composition of the United States.
  • The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 abolished the previous national origins quota system, which had favored European immigrants. This led to a significant increase in immigration from Asia, Latin America, and other regions, diversifying the racial and ethnic makeup of the U.S. population. The act's emphasis on family reunification and employment-based visas has also shaped the demographic profile of immigrants, contributing to the growing racial and ethnic heterogeneity of American society.
• Analyze the role of the Immigration and Nationality Act in shaping the legal framework for immigration and naturalization in the United States.
  • The Immigration and Nationality Act establishes the legal foundation for determining who is allowed to enter, live, and work in the United States, as well as the process for becoming a U.S. citizen. It sets annual limits on the number of immigrants, defines the criteria for different visa categories, and outlines the grounds for inadmissibility and deportability. The act has been amended over time to reflect changing political and social priorities, but it continues to be the primary law governing immigration and naturalization policies in the country.
• Evaluate the impact of the Immigration and Nationality Act on the ongoing debates surrounding immigration reform in the United States.
  • The Immigration and Nationality Act has been a central focus of debates around immigration reform in the United States. While the act has been praised for promoting diversity and family reunification, it has also been criticized for its perceived shortcomings, such as the annual caps on immigration and the complex legal framework that can make the process of entering and remaining in the country difficult. Calls for comprehensive immigration reform often center on revisiting the provisions of the INA to address issues like undocumented immigration, the backlog of visa applications, and the need for a more flexible and responsive system to meet the country's economic and demographic needs.

Related terms

Naturalization: The legal process by which a non-citizen becomes a U.S. citizen, granting them the full rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

Visa: An official document issued by a government that allows a non-citizen to enter, live, or work in a country for a specified period of time.

Quota System: A system that limits the number of immigrants allowed to enter a country based on their country of origin or other demographic factors.