Which legislation allowed for the mass deportation of illegal immigrants in the 1950s?

The correct answer is Operation Wetback, which refers to a federal initiative launched in the 1950s aimed at deporting undocumented Mexican immigrants. Originating from the need to address rising concerns about illegal immigration, the program led to the apprehension and removal of hundreds of thousands of Mexican individuals who had entered the United States without legal permission. The term "Wetback" stemmed from the method many illegal immigrants used to cross the border, often through rivers, indicating the harsh conditions of their journey.

This operation was significant in that it represented a peak in the U.S. government's aggressive stance towards immigration enforcement during that decade, reflecting broader social attitudes and economic concerns related to immigration. The intent was to alleviate competition for jobs during a time of economic strain and to reinforce immigration laws that had become a focal point of national policy.

The other options represent different aspects of U.S. immigration policy: the Immigration and Nationality Act altered the overall framework for immigration, the Bracero Program was designed to allow temporary labor from Mexico to fill labor shortages, and the Hart-Celler Act reformed immigration laws largely in favor of family reunification and skilled immigrants. However, these initiatives did not directly facilitate mass deportation in the same manner as Operation Wetback