Final answer:
The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, also known as the Hart-Cellar Act, aimed to eliminate bias and discrimination from U.S. immigration policy by abolishing the racially-motivated National Origin Formula. It represented a historic shift towards a more equitable and diverse immigration system, aligning with civil rights advancements and promoting economic growth through inclusion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, also known as the Hart-Cellar Act, was created with the agenda of specifically eradicating the bias and discrimination that had for too long been associated with immigration policy. This act abolished the National Origin Formula, which had been in place since the 1920s and was based on a quota system that restricted immigration from non-northern European countries. The implementation of the Hart-Cellar Act marked a significant shift in American immigration policy, allowing for a more diverse demographic mix, as it removed restrictions against Asian immigrants and essentially opened up entry to the United States for immigrants from Latin America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It favored immigrants with important skills and family members of existing citizens and introduced a more uniform cap on the number of immigrants from any one country.
In contrast to previous policies which were influenced by xenophobia and racial biases, such as the emergency quota policies influenced by the American Protective Association and the subsequent Immigration Act of 1924, the 1965 Act sought to present immigration in a more positive light. This facilitated economic growth and diversity, aligning with civil rights movements of that era that were making strides towards inclusivity and fairness. The Act also echoed the efforts of figures like Congressman Emanuel Celler, who championed the cause of abolition of the racially motivated quota system.