How did the Civil Rights Movement influence immigration policies?

The Civil Rights Movement significantly influenced immigration policies by promoting equality and ending racially biased quotas.

The Civil Rights Movement, which took place predominantly in the 1950s and 1960s, was a pivotal period in American history that sought to end racial discrimination and secure legal recognition and federal protection of the citizenship rights enumerated in the United States Constitution and federal law. This movement had a profound impact on immigration policies, leading to the abolition of racially biased quotas and the promotion of equality.

Prior to the Civil Rights Movement, the United States had a racially biased immigration system. The National Origins Act of 1924 established quotas that heavily favoured immigrants from Western Europe while severely limiting immigration from Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa. This system was inherently discriminatory, reflecting the racial prejudices of the time.

However, the Civil Rights Movement brought about a shift in societal attitudes towards race and equality. The movement's emphasis on equal rights and non-discrimination resonated with the public, leading to significant changes in various aspects of American society, including immigration policy. The Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, colour, religion, sex, or national origin, set the stage for changes in immigration policy.

The most significant change came with the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, also known as the Hart-Celler Act. This legislation abolished the national origins quota system that had been in place since the 1920s, replacing it with a preference system that focused on immigrants' skills and family relationships with U.S. citizens or U.S. residents. The Act also established a separate quota for refugees.

The Hart-Celler Act was a direct result of the Civil Rights Movement. The movement's emphasis on equality and non-discrimination made the racially biased quota system untenable. The Act represented a significant shift towards a more equitable immigration system, reflecting the values of the Civil Rights Movement.

In conclusion, the Civil Rights Movement had a profound influence on immigration policies in the United States. It led to the abolition of the racially biased quota system and the establishment of a more equitable immigration system that prioritised skills and family relationships. The movement's emphasis on equality and non-discrimination fundamentally reshaped American society, including its approach to immigration.