Immigration Act (1965)
Land of the Free!
What is it?
The Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965, also known as the Hart-Celler Act, abolished an earlier quota system based on national origin and established a new immigration policy based on reuniting immigrant families and attracting skilled labor to the United States. Over the next four decades, the policies put into effect in 1965 would greatly change the demographic makeup of the American population, as immigrants entering the United States under the new legislation came increasingly from countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America, as opposed to Europe.
- Families are crucial to the social and economic incorporation of newcomers.
- Family-based immigration has a positive impact on business development and community improvement.
- Immigrants who come to the country on a family-based visa tend to move up the socio-economic ladder.
- Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens who immigrate under the family fourth-preference visa category tend to experience high rates of self-employment and high earnings growth.
LBJ
October 3, 1965: President Lyndon Johnson visits the Statue of Liberty to sign the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965.
Political Cartoon #1
The Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965 marked a turning point in history because of the ending of quota systems making everyones chance of coming to America
Political Cartoon #2
The Immigration Reform and Control Act (1986). Aim to legalize resident Mexican aliens; Created temporary agricultural workers; Employers sanctions