What change did the 1965 Immigration Act implement?

The 1965 Immigration Act, officially known as the Hart-Celler Act, marked a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy by eliminating the national origins quota system that had been put in place in the 1920s. This previous system heavily favored immigrants from northern and western Europe while severely limiting those from southern and eastern Europe, Asia, and other regions. By abolishing these quotas, the Act introduced a more equitable approach to immigration that prioritized family reunification and skills, allowing for greater diversity in the immigrant population.

This change was a response to growing civil rights movements and changing views on race and culture in America. By ending the quota system based on country of origin, the 1965 Immigration Act opened the door for many more immigrants from a variety of nations, leading to a more multicultural society in the United States.