Final answer:
U.S. immigration laws have evolved from racially biased quotas to more humanitarian policies, reflecting changes in societal values and political objectives. Key acts include the McCarran-Walter Act, the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, and the 1980 Refugee Act.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding U.S. Refugee and Immigration Laws
The history of U.S. immigration laws reveals a complex narrative shaped by various political, societal, and economic forces. The 1952 McCarran-Walter Act removed racial barriers to citizenship and allowed Asian migration within a quota system, though the system still reflected bias against Asian populations. Despite its flaws, this act included provisions that permitted family reunification beyond the set quotas.
In contrast, the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act altered the landscape by imposing a cap on the number of immigrants from any particular nation and setting separate annual limits for Eastern and Western Hemisphere immigration. However, the 1980 Refugee Act marked a significant shift in policy by aligning U.S. law with the United Nations' definition of a refugee and adopting a more humanitarian approach, considering the 'well-founded fear of persecution' rather than Cold War politics.
Immigration policy has been marked by moments of openness, such as the encouragement of skilled labor from communist nations, and by constraints, such as the Emergency Quota Law of 1921, which aimed to limit competition for jobs during economic downturns. Overall, U.S. immigration law reflects a balance between inclusivity and control, evolving with the changing needs and values of the country.