Why was the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 significant?

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 was significant because it abolished the national origins quota system, which had been in place since the 1920s. This quota system established immigration limits based on national origins, favoring immigrants from Northern and Western Europe while significantly restricting those from Southern and Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, and other parts of the world. By removing these discriminatory quotas, the 1965 Act significantly transformed U.S. immigration policy, promoting a more equitable system that allowed for a greater diversity of immigrants from various countries.

This legislative change marked a departure from the previous policies that prioritized particular nationalities and paved the way for a new era of immigration, contributing to the multicultural makeup of contemporary American society. The Act not only reshaped the demographic landscape of the United States but also set the stage for changes in immigration patterns that would be felt for decades to come.