The history of immigration reforms in the United States is marked by legislative changes that have shaped the nation’s approach to immigration. The purpose of this study is to help understand the failure to progress with history of immigration reforms in the USA legislation in the last 50 years.
History of Immigration Reforms in the USA
1. Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 (McCarran-Walter Act):
- The McCarran-Walter Act revised U.S. immigration policy and retained the national origins quota system. It addressed issues related to exclusion and deportation based on political beliefs.
2. Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments of 1965:
- This landmark legislation, also known as the Hart-Celler Act, marked a significant shift. It eliminated the national origins quota system, replacing it with a preference system based on family reunification and skilled immigrants.
3. Refugee Act of 1980:
- The Refugee Act established a comprehensive U.S. policy for admitting refugees. It created the Federal Refugee Resettlement Program and set clear procedures for the admission and resettlement of refugees.
4. Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA):
- IRCA aimed to address the issue of undocumented immigration. It granted amnesty to certain undocumented immigrants who had been in the U.S. since 1982, while also introducing sanctions on employers who hired undocumented workers.
5. Immigration Act of 1990:
- This legislation increased the annual limit on legal immigration, emphasizing family-sponsored and employment-based preferences. It also introduced the Diversity Visa Lottery Program to promote immigration from countries with low rates of U.S. immigration.
6. Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA):
- IIRIRA focused on strengthening immigration enforcement. It introduced measures to expedite removal proceedings, expanded the list of offenses leading to deportation, and emphasized border control.
7. Homeland Security Act of 2002:
- The establishment of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) led to a restructuring of immigration-related agencies. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) became part of DHS.
8. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in 2012:
- While not a legislative reform, DACA was a policy introduced by the Obama administration. It provided temporary relief from deportation and work permits for certain undocumented individuals brought to the U.S. as children.
9. Comprehensive Immigration Reform Efforts:
- Various administrations and lawmakers have proposed comprehensive immigration reforms to address issues such as border security, pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, and changes to legal immigration processes. However, comprehensive reform has faced challenges in gaining bipartisan support.
10. Executive Actions and Policy Changes:
- Presidents have used executive actions to implement immigration policies. These include changes to enforcement priorities, temporary protected status for certain groups, and efforts to address specific issues within the existing legal framework.
11. Ongoing Policy Debates:
- Immigration remains a contentious political issue, with ongoing debates over border security, pathways to citizenship, and the status of undocumented immigrants.
The history of immigration reforms reflects the evolving priorities and challenges faced by the United States in managing immigration flows, balancing security concerns, and addressing the status of undocumented individuals. Legislative changes often respond to shifting political landscapes and societal needs.