The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act

The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA), enacted in 1996, aimed to strengthen U.S. immigration laws. It introduced measures to reduce illegal immigration by increasing penalties for unauthorized entry and transit. The law enhanced border security, created new grounds for deportation, and limited immigrants' ability to appeal deportation decisions. It also included provisions that affected legal immigrants, such as stricter requirements for obtaining certain benefits. Overall, IIRIRA marked a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, focusing on enforcement and consequences for both illegal immigrants and legal residents.