Final answer:
The Immigration Act of 1965 (Hart-Cellar Act) abolished the National Origins Act of 1924's discriminatory quota system, allowing for a more diverse and inclusive immigration policy in the United States. It gave preference to those with family ties and desirable skills, leading to significant demographic changes by enabling immigration from Asia, Latin America, and other underrepresented regions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Significance of the Immigration Act of 1965
The Immigration Act of 1965, also known as the Hart-Cellar Act, holds immense significance in shaping modern American society. Its enactment marked the end of an era dominated by restrictive and discriminatory immigration policies, particularly those established by the National Origins Act of 1924. This earlier act was designed to curtail immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe as well as Asia by instituting quotas based on national origins from the 1890 census.
The pivotal change in 1965, spurred by the civil rights movement, replaced the country-specific quota system with a more equitable policy. The new law abolished the discriminatory quotas, removed restrictions against Asian immigrants, and established a preference system that prioritized immigrants with relatives in the United States and those with desirable skills. Essentially, it ended a policy that had been biased in favor of Western European immigrants and paved the way for more diverse immigration from around the world, especially Asia and Latin America.
Thus, the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 was not merely an adjustment to existing law; it was a transformational piece of legislation that greatly diversified the demographic composition of the United States and allowed for the formation of new immigrant communities from regions previously underrepresented. It was a landmark moment in the movement towards a more open and inclusive American society.