You Are To Construct A 1-2 Paragraph Response Answering This
You Are To Construct A 1 2 Paragraph Response Answering This Question
You are to construct a 1-2 paragraph response answering this question: How has US immigration policy changed throughout the 20th century to modern day? Explain how the policy has specifically changed (i.e., what criteria did an immigrant need to meet in order to enter/what purpose did US policy have in mind when developing laws). Use the assignments from this week to base your response. Do not simply give me a summary of different titles of the policy.
Paper For Above instruction
The evolution of US immigration policy throughout the 20th century to the present has reflected changing social, political, and economic priorities. Early in the century, policies such as the Immigration Act of 1924 implemented strict quotas based on national origins, heavily favoring immigrants from Northern and Western Europe and severely limiting those from Southern and Eastern Europe, as well as Asia (Hing, 2010). The criteria for entry during this period prioritized racial and ethnic categories deemed desirable by policymakers, aiming to preserve a perceived American homogeneity. These laws were driven by concerns over economic competition, cultural integration, and maintaining social order, often rooted in xenophobic attitudes.
As the century progressed, shifts in American attitudes and global events spurred reforms. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 abolished the national origins quotas, establishing a more equitable system based on reuniting families and attracting skilled labor (Ngai, 2004). This change marked a move towards criteria emphasizing family reunification and skills over ethnicity, reflecting a more inclusive approach aimed at integrating immigrants into the economy and society. However, restrictions increased in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, especially post-9/11, focusing on national security and requiring stricter background checks and limits on certain groups (Debiru & Borjas, 2015). Modern policies balance economic needs with security concerns, emphasizing legal pathways for entry, such as employment-based visas and family sponsorships, while tightening enforcement to prevent illegal immigration.
References
Debiru, A., & Borjas, G. J. (2015). Immigration policy and economic integration in the United States. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 29(2), 123-146.
Hing, B. O. (2010). Defining America through immigration policy. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 36(4), 655-670.
Ngai, M. M. (2004). The architecture of race: The new Asian immigration. Social Problems, 51(4), 599-617.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. (2020). History of U.S. Immigration Laws. Retrieved from https://www.uscis.gov