The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA) was a U.S. law aimed at addressing illegal immigration. It had two main components: first, it provided a pathway to legal residency for certain undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. before 1982, allowing them to apply for citizenship. Second, it made it illegal for employers to knowingly hire undocumented workers, enforcing stricter penalties for violations. The law sought to balance compassion for migrants with measures to control and regulate immigration, but its effectiveness and long-term impact on immigration policy remain debated.