key term - Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965

Definition

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 was a significant piece of legislation that reformed the U.S. immigration system by abolishing an earlier quota system based on national origin. This act opened the doors for immigrants from Asia, especially South Asia, and changed the demographic landscape of the country by emphasizing family reunification and skilled labor over previous discriminatory practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 1965 Act eliminated the national origins quota system, which had favored European immigrants and severely restricted immigration from other regions, particularly Asia.
2. The legislation prioritized family reunification, allowing U.S. citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their relatives for immigration.
3. The act also introduced preferences for immigrants with skills and education, particularly in professions where there were labor shortages in the U.S.
4. This significant change resulted in a dramatic increase in Asian immigration to the United States, particularly from countries like India, Pakistan, and Vietnam.
5. The act laid the groundwork for a more diverse American society by changing the racial and ethnic composition of immigrants entering the U.S., shaping future immigration patterns.

Review Questions

• How did the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 impact South Asian immigration and labor patterns in the United States?
  • The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 significantly increased South Asian immigration by abolishing the restrictive national origins quota system that had limited their entry into the U.S. This legislation allowed skilled workers and family members to immigrate more easily, leading to a notable influx of South Asian professionals who contributed to various sectors such as technology, medicine, and engineering. As a result, South Asians became an essential part of the labor force and community fabric in many American cities.
• Evaluate the key provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 that influenced future immigration policies in the United States.
  • The key provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 included the elimination of national origins quotas and an emphasis on family reunification and skilled labor. By prioritizing family connections and professional qualifications over discriminatory practices, this act set a precedent for future immigration policies that continued to favor these aspects. The act led to a more diverse immigrant population, prompting subsequent legislation to address new challenges related to integration, labor needs, and community support.
• Assess the long-term demographic shifts resulting from the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 and their implications for American society.
  • The long-term demographic shifts resulting from the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 transformed American society by significantly increasing diversity within its population. As millions of immigrants from Asia arrived over subsequent decades, they contributed to cultural richness and economic growth while also presenting challenges related to integration and social cohesion. This shift has implications for social policies, community relations, and national identity as America grapples with its evolving multicultural landscape.

Related terms

Quota System: A method of limiting immigration by establishing specific numerical limits on the number of immigrants from particular countries, which was largely based on the national origins of the U.S. population.

Family Reunification:

A principle in immigration policy that prioritizes allowing family members of U.S. citizens and permanent residents to immigrate to the United States.

Skilled Labor: Workers who possess specialized knowledge, training, or experience in specific fields, often prioritized in immigration policies to meet labor shortages in the U.S.