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ow did the U.S. Immigration Act of 1965 change the ethnic composition of the country
The 1965 Immigration Act, also known as the Hart–Celler Act, fundamentally changed the immigration policy and ethnic structure of the United States. Prior to this, the United States' immigration policy had been strictly restricted for many years by the National Origins Quota Act, which mainly promoted immigration from Western and Northern European countries and set up various barriers for ethnic groups such as Southern Europe, Eastern Europe and Asians. However, with the rise of social movements and global emphasis on equal rights, this policy has begun to receive increasing criticism. In 1965, the bill was finally passed with the support of President Robert Johnson and was officially signed into law on October 3.
"This old system violates a fundamental principle of American democracy, which is to evaluate and reward each person based on his or her merits."
The passage of the act marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new era for immigration. Under the new legal provisions, future immigration will no longer be restricted solely by ethnicity or nationality, but will be prioritized based on family ties, professional skills and refugee status. This means that the number of immigrants from Asia and Africa has increased significantly, leading to fundamental changes in the ethnic structure of the United States.
Historical BackgroundSince its founding, U.S. immigration policy has been overtly discriminatory. For example, starting in 1790, Congress allowed only "white people" to become naturalized citizens. This policy was further strengthened with the passage of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, which placed various restrictions on immigration from non-Nordic and Western Europe. It was not until 1965, as social movements developed, that people began to question this unfair practice.
"This legislation is a significant revision of the United States' long-standing discriminatory immigration policies, allowing a wider range of immigrant groups to enter the United States."
This bill not only broke the old quota system, but also comprehensively reorganized future immigration. The new seven-category priority system not only includes family members and immigrants with professional skills, but also guarantees the right of entry for refugees, marking an improvement in policy fairness and humanitarianism.
Implementation of the Act
The Immigration Act of 1965 created a new priority system that combined family reunification, professional skills, and refugees. The system is designed to promote family reunification and social diversity and to accelerate the integration of various ethnic groups.
"The American cultural model will not be destroyed by the increase in immigration, but will be enriched by the introduction of new cultural elements."
With the increasing number of immigrants from different countries, many new communities have flourished in the United States. This has made the multicultural characteristics of the United States increasingly prominent and has also led people to gradually accept new immigrants from different backgrounds.
Subsequent Impact
With the implementation of the Immigration Act of 1965, the ethnic structure of the United States has changed significantly. By the beginning of the 21st century, the diversity of immigrants not only boosted the U.S. economy but also promoted cultural exchanges within society.
"This bill has changed America's history and future by providing opportunities for many who seek the American Dream."
However, the impact of this legislation was not entirely positive. As immigration increased, social and political divisions emerged, and friction arose between many of the groups that benefited from the law and the original residents. There is still a heated debate over immigration policy in the United States today.
SummaryThe Immigration Act of 1965 not only redefined U.S. immigration policy, affecting millions of immigrants and their descendants, but also profoundly changed the domestic social structure. In this process, how to promote better ethnic integration and social equity on the basis of respecting traditional culture is still a challenge facing the United States.
