Trial and Error: The Story of United States Immigration Policy
Editorial Carl Able Editorial Carl Able

Trial and Error: The Story of United States Immigration Policy

TL/DR

  • Early U.S. immigration policy, marked by the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, transitioned from relatively open borders to restrictive, xenophobic laws.

  • Subsequent legislation like the National Origins Act of 1924 and the Immigration Act of 1965 shifted focus from broad exclusions to national quotas and prioritized skilled workers or those seeking political asylum.

  • Modern policy, established by the Immigration Act of 1990, moved towards a flexible worldwide cap with family, employment, and diversity visas, yet the ongoing debate still reflects historical themes of exclusion and national identity.

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