Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965

President Lyndon B. Johnson Signing of the Immigration Act of 1965 (02) - restoration1

1964-1965-1966 Quota Immigrants Admitted to the USA by Country (1966 INS Report Table 7)

1968-1969-1970 Quota Immigrants Admitted to the USA by Country (1970 INS Report Table 7)

Chart of foreign born in the US labor force 1900 to 2007

Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, also known as the Hart-Celler Act, is a significant piece of legislation in the United States that revolutionized the American immigration system. Enacted on October 3, 1965, and taking effect on June 30, 1966, this law abolished the National Origins Formula, which had been in place since the 1920s and heavily favored immigrants from Northern and Western Europe. The Act established a new immigration policy based on reuniting immigrant families and attracting skilled labor to the United States.

Background

Prior to the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, the U.S. immigration policy was governed by the National Origins Formula, established by the Immigration Act of 1924. This formula severely restricted immigration from countries outside of Northern and Western Europe and was designed to maintain the ethnic composition of the United States. However, by the 1960s, growing civil rights movements and the Cold War's ideological battles prompted a reevaluation of these policies.

Provisions

The Hart-Celler Act abolished the National Origins Formula and established a new system that focused on immigrants' skills and family relationships with citizens or U.S. residents. The Act set numerical restrictions on immigration from the Western Hemisphere for the first time, while also establishing a 20,000-per-country limit on immigrants from the Eastern Hemisphere. It also introduced a preference system that prioritized relatives of U.S. citizens and permanent residents, as well as professionals and other individuals with specialized skills.

Impact

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 had a profound impact on the demographic makeup of the United States. It led to significant increases in immigration from Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East, changing the ethnic landscape of America. The Act facilitated a shift towards a more diverse society, although it also led to unintended consequences, such as unauthorized immigration, due to the limits it placed on Western Hemisphere immigration.

Controversy and Legacy

The Act was controversial at the time of its passage and remains so in discussions of American immigration policy. Critics argue that it led to uncontrolled population growth and increased illegal immigration, while supporters believe it corrected a racially discriminatory system and enriched the U.S. with a diverse population. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 is considered a landmark in American legal and social history, laying the groundwork for future immigration debates and policies.

See Also

• Immigration Act of 1924
• Civil Rights Movement
• Demographics of the United States