Immigration policy is a dynamic and ever-evolving beast, with the US government implementing new laws and regulations to adjust to the changing times and demands of the nation. In this blog post, we’ll look at what has happened to domestic policy on immigration in the United States over the past few decades.
The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965
In 1965, the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. This bill has since become the foundation of America’s immigration policy, and has been amended multiple times over the years. The most essential components of the INA include:
- Ending the National Origins Quota System: This system had favored immigrants from western and northern Europe, while severely restricting immigration from other parts of the world. The INA abolished this system, allowing for immigration from all countries, regardless of race or national origin.
- Establishing Family-Based Immigration: The INA created the concept of family-based immigration, which allowed citizens and permanent residents to sponsor family members for a green card.
- Creating Employment-Based Immigration: The INA also provided for the creation of employment-based immigration, which allowed employers to sponsor foreign workers for a green card.
The Bracero Program and Chinese Exclusion Act Repeal
In addition to the INA, the US government has implemented other immigration policies over the years. The most notable of these policies include the Bracero Program, which allowed Mexican citizens to work in the US on a temporary basis, and the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act, which had banned all immigration from China since 1882.
Recent Domestic Policy on Immigration
In recent decades, the US has implemented several policies to address immigration issues. These policies include:
- Border Security: The US has increased its efforts to secure the US-Mexico border in an effort to reduce illegal immigration.
- Visa Policies: The US has implemented stricter visa policies in an effort to reduce the number of people entering the country illegally.
- Refugee Policies: The US has implemented policies to allow refugees from certain countries to enter the US on a temporary basis.
- DACA: The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was created to provide temporary legal status to individuals who were brought to the US as children.
Impact of Domestic Policy on Immigration
The US government’s domestic policy on immigration over the years has had a major impact on the nation. This policy has allowed millions of immigrants to come to the US, and it has also helped to secure the US-Mexico border. Additionally, the policy has allowed for the creation of new visa programs and the protection of refugees.
Challenges of Domestic Policy on Immigration
Despite the positive aspects of the US government’s domestic policy on immigration, there are still challenges that must be addressed. These include:
- Illegal Immigration: Despite the US government’s efforts to secure the US-Mexico border, illegal immigration remains a major problem.
- Visa Policies: Some argue that the US’s visa policies are too restrictive, making it difficult for individuals to legally enter the US.
- Family-Based Immigration: Some argue that the US’s family-based immigration system is too cumbersome, and needs to be reformed.
- Employment-Based Immigration: Some argue that the US’s employment-based immigration system is too complicated, and needs to be simplified.
Conclusion
The US government’s domestic policy on immigration has had a major impact on the nation. This policy has allowed millions of immigrants to come to the US and has also helped to secure the US-Mexico border. However, there are still challenges that must be addressed, including illegal immigration, visa policies, family-based immigration, and employment-based immigration.
FAQ
Q: What is the Immigration and Nationality Act?
A: The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) is a federal law that was signed into law in 1965. It is the foundation of America’s immigration policy and has been amended multiple times since it was first enacted.
Q: What is the Bracero Program?
A: The Bracero Program was a program established in 1942 that allowed Mexican citizens to work in the US on a temporary basis. The program was terminated in 1964.
Q: What is the Chinese Exclusion Act?
A: The Chinese Exclusion Act was a federal law that was passed in 1882. It prohibited all immigration from China and was not repealed until 1943.
