Immigration Before 1965 in the American Country

Before the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, the United States had a system of immigration quotas that heavily favored immigrants from Western and Northern European countries while restricting immigration from other regions. This study shows key features of immigration before 1965 in the American country.

Immigration Before 1965 in the American Country

1. Table of Contents

   Toggle

   National Origins Quota System:

   • The Immigration Act of 1924 established the national origins quota system, which set limits on the number of immigrants admitted each year based on their nationality. The quotas were based on the percentage of each nationality’s population in the United States in 1890.

2. Preference for Western and Northern Europeans:

   • The quota system favored immigrants from Western and Northern European countries. Immigrants from these regions had higher quotas, while immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East faced significantly lower quotas.

3. Restrictions on Asian Immigration:

   • Asian immigrants, particularly Chinese and Japanese, faced severe restrictions. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was the first significant law restricting immigration based on nationality, and it was followed by similar measures targeting other Asian groups.

4. Limited Opportunities for Non-European Immigrants:

   • Non-European immigrants, including those from Mexico and other parts of Latin America, faced limited opportunities for legal immigration. The quotas and restrictions favored European immigrants, creating a biased system.

5. Mexican Labor Migration:

   • While Mexicans faced restrictions under the national origins quota system, there was a significant flow of Mexican labor migration, especially during times of economic demand. Programs like the Bracero Program (1942-1964) allowed temporary agricultural workers from Mexico.

6. Impact of World War II:

   • World War II disrupted international migration patterns. After the war, displaced persons and refugees from Europe sought resettlement in the United States. The Displaced Persons Act of 1948 allowed the entry of European refugees.

7. Immigration from the Western Hemisphere:

   • While there were restrictions on immigration from Asia and other parts of the world, immigration from countries in the Western Hemisphere faced fewer limitations. The proximity of Latin American countries and economic factors influenced migration patterns.

8. Family Reunification:

   • The system allowed for family reunification, but the biased quotas often created challenges for individuals seeking to sponsor family members from countries with lower quotas.

9. Limited Diversity in Immigration:

   • The national origins quota system contributed to limited diversity in the immigrant population. The overwhelming majority of immigrants came from European countries, particularly those in Western and Northern Europe.

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, also known as the Hart-Celler Act, marked a significant shift by eliminating the national origins quota system and prioritizing family reunification and skilled immigrants. This reform had a profound impact on shaping the diversity of the U.S. immigrant population in the decades that followed.