What was a primary factor driving the increase in Asian immigration to the U.S. after the 1960s?

The primary factor driving the increase in Asian immigration to the U.S. after the 1960s was the changes in national origins quotas in immigration laws. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 eliminated the earlier quota system that heavily favored European immigrants and restricted immigration from Asia and other regions. This significant legislative change allowed for a substantial increase in the number of immigrants from Asian countries, as it introduced a more equitable system based on family reunification and employment opportunities rather than national origins.

In particular, the family reunification provisions enabled immigrants to bring relatives over to the U.S., which further contributed to the growth of the Asian population. The demand for skilled labor in various sectors, including technology, did increase during this time, but the most direct catalyst for the influx was the reform in immigration policy that removed previous barriers and established a framework that welcomed Asian immigrants. The political climate in various Asian countries during the Cold War, while also motivating some to immigrate, was secondary to the legislative changes that fundamentally altered immigration patterns.