The Immigration Act of 1965, also known as the Hart-Celler Act, significantly transformed U.S. immigration policy in several important ways:
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Abolition of National Origins Quota System: Prior to the 1965 Act, U.S. immigration policy was largely based on the national origins quota system established in the Immigration Act of 1924. This system favored immigrants from Northern and Western Europe while severely restricting immigrants from other regions, particularly Asia and Africa. The 1965 Act eliminated these quotas, facilitating a more equitable immigration framework.
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New Preference System: The Act implemented a new system of immigration preferences based on family reunification and skilled labor. It established categories for immigrants, prioritizing those with family ties to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, as well as those with specific skills deemed necessary for the American economy.
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Increase in Immigration from Non-Western Countries: With the end of national origins quotas, the Act led to a marked increase in immigration from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This change began the diversification of the immigrant population in the United States and contributed to significant demographic shifts.
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Overall Immigration Numbers: The Act set a cap on the total number of immigrants allowed into the U.S. annually at 290,000, with a limit of 20,000 per country. While this was a significant number, the preference system emphasized family connections and labor skills, impacting the overall immigration dynamics.
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Impact on American Society: The changes brought about by the Immigration Act of 1965 contributed to the multicultural fabric of American society. The influx of immigrants from diverse backgrounds has had lasting effects on U.S. culture, economy, and demographics.
Overall, the Immigration Act of 1965 marked a pivotal point in American immigration policy, moving towards a system based on human rights and family reunification rather than racial or national discrimination.