Immigration Reform and Control

The Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986 was a significant U.S. law that aimed to address illegal immigration. It provided a pathway to legal status for certain undocumented immigrants who had been in the country since before 1982, while also introducing measures to prevent future illegal immigration. A key aspect of IRCA was the requirement for employers to verify the legal status of their employees, which aimed to reduce the hiring of undocumented workers. It represented a balance between compassion for those already living in the U.S. and enforcement of immigration laws.