What event led to the passage of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952?

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, also known as the McCarran-Walter Act, was significantly influenced by the context of the Cold War and the accompanying anti-communist sentiment that pervaded American society in the aftermath of World War II. During this period, the U.S. government sought to control immigration more tightly, reflecting fears of communist influence and the desire to ensure that immigrants would be loyal to American ideals rather than foreign ideologies.

The Cold War heightened concerns about national security and the ideological conflicts with the Soviet Union, leading to the belief that individuals from certain countries could pose a threat to American values and stability. This anxiety contributed to the establishment of stricter immigration policies, which were evident in the provisions of the 1952 Act that prioritized immigrants from Western nations while imposing quotas that limited immigration from others deemed less favorable.

Moreover, the legislation aimed to balance these national security interests with America's historical commitment to being a refuge for those fleeing persecution, albeit with strict criteria. Thus, the influence of the Cold War and anti-communist sentiment was a primary catalyst for shaping the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, as the United States navigated the complexities of international relations while managing domestic immigration policies.