Question

Which of the following statements, if true, would best explain why the immigration rate began to rise in the second half of the 20 th century? (A) In 1965, the U.S. established a strict quota system, making it harder to move to the United States. (B) In 1965, the U.S. passed a law banning all immigration to the United States. (C) In 1965, the Immigration and Naturalization Act established a new immigration policy aimed at attracting skilled labor to the United States. (D) In 1965, the U.S. lowered its quota system to permit fewer immigrants into the United States each year.

Short answer

Comparing all the statements, statement C (the establishment of a new immigration policy aimed at attracting skilled labor) is the most likely explanation for an increase in the immigration rate during the second half of the 20th century.

Step-by-step solution

Consider if stricter quota would raise immigration rate

If the U.S. established a strict quota system, that would make it more difficult for people to move to the United States. This would not likely cause an increase in the immigration rate. #Step 2: Analyzing Statement B#

Consider if banning immigration would raise immigration rate

If the U.S. passed a law banning all immigration, it would not explain an increase in immigration, as it would actually stop immigration completely. #Step 3: Analyzing Statement C#

Consider if attracting skilled labor would raise immigration rate

If the Immigration and Naturalization Act established a new policy aimed at attracting skilled labor to the United States, it would create incentives for immigrants to move to the U.S. This statement could explain an increase in the immigration rate. #Step 4: Analyzing Statement D#

Consider if lowering quota would raise immigration rate

If the U.S. lowered its quota system, meaning they allowed fewer immigrants into the United States each year, it would make it more difficult for people to immigrate and would not likely lead to an increase in the immigration rate. #Step 5: Choose the Best Explanation#

Determine which statement best explains the increase in immigration rate

Comparing all the statements, statement C (the establishment of a new immigration policy aimed at attracting skilled labor) is the most likely explanation for an increase in the immigration rate during the second half of the 20th century.

Key concepts

Immigration and Naturalization Act

The Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965, also known as the Hart-Celler Act, was a pivotal moment in United States immigration policy. Unlike previous legislation that heavily favored immigrants from Europe through a stringent quota system, this Act transformed the immigration landscape.
Passed during the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, it aimed to eliminate the racial and ethnic biases that existed in prior laws. This act abolished the national origins quota, which was based on the 1920 census, thereby equalizing opportunities for immigrants coming from other parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

• It placed an emphasis on family reunification by allowing U.S. citizens to sponsor relatives from abroad.
• Introduced a system that favored skilled labor, therefore encouraging talented individuals from around the world to contribute to the U.S. economy.

Overall, the Immigration and Naturalization Act marked a significant shift from previous exclusionary policies, contributing to a multicultural and diverse United States.

Skilled Labor Immigration

Skilled labor immigration became a focal point in U.S. policy during the latter half of the 20th century, particularly after the passage of the Immigration and Naturalization Act. This new policy was designed to attract individuals who possessed valuable skills and talents that could benefit the American economy.

• The Act established a preference system, prioritizing immigrants according to specific skill sets that were in demand, such as scientists, engineers, and medical professionals.
• This approach aimed not only to boost the domestic workforce but also to fill gaps in certain industries experiencing labor shortages.

By encouraging skilled labor immigration, the United States aimed to maintain its competitive edge in a globalized world, fostering innovation and growth while also addressing the changing needs of its labor market.

U.S. Immigration Quotas

The U.S. Immigration Quotas have evolved over time, reflecting the country's changing social, economic, and political priorities. Prior to 1965, the quota system was based largely on national origins, favoring European countries.
With the introduction of the Immigration and Naturalization Act, the previous rigid quotas were abolished. The new law introduced a more equitable approach, placing limits on the number of immigrants from each country but providing exceptions for close relatives of U.S. citizens, thus promoting family reunification.

• The number of annual visas available was set at 290,000, a significant increase from prior caps, but included a cap per country.
• This system aimed to control the flow of immigration while still allowing for the diversity and meeting labor needs.

The shift aimed to remove biases towards specific ethnic groups and focus more on family ties and skills, aligning immigration policies with a modern and globalized economy.