the Immigration Reform and Control Act

The Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) was enacted in 1986 in the United States to address illegal immigration. It aimed to control immigration by strengthening border security and penalizing employers who hired undocumented workers. Additionally, the law provided a pathway to legal status for certain undocumented immigrants who had lived in the U.S. since before 1982, allowing them to apply for citizenship if they met specific criteria. The IRCA was significant in shaping U.S. immigration policy, emphasizing both enforcement and opportunities for integration of long-term residents.