The Immigration Act of 1965

The Immigration Act of 1965 revolutionized U.S. immigration policy by ending national-origin quotas that favored Europeans. It established a new system focused on family reunification and skilled immigrants, emphasizing equal opportunity regardless of nationality. The law increased overall immigration levels and diversified the immigrant population, leading to greater cultural variety in the U.S. It also laid the groundwork for modern immigration procedures, emphasizing fairness and merit-based selection. Overall, it marked a significant shift toward a more inclusive and equitable approach to immigration policy.