The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 had a significant impact on immigration to the United States. Here are the ways it affected immigration:
1. It eliminated most emigration from Southern and Eastern Europe:
- Prior to the 1965 Act, there were restrictive quotas in place that favored immigration from Northern and Western European countries. The new legislation abolished these discriminatory quotas, leading to a more balanced and fair immigration system.
2. It greatly reduced emigration from Asian countries:
- The 1965 Act ended the previous discriminatory policies that limited immigration from Asian countries. As a result, it opened up opportunities for increased immigration from Asia, contributing to a more diverse immigrant population in the United States.
3. It led to a dramatic increase in emigration from Latin America:
- While the Act did not specifically target Latin American countries, the removal of national origin quotas allowed for a more inclusive immigration policy. This change facilitated a rise in immigration from Latin American countries over the following decades.
These points illustrate how the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 reshaped immigration patterns in the United States by promoting fairness and diversity in the immigration system.
