What limitation was lifted by the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965?

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, also known as the Hart-Celler Act, was a significant piece of legislation that fundamentally changed the landscape of immigration policy in the United States. One of its most important actions was the elimination of national-origins quotas, which had been in place since the 1920s.

These quotas favored immigrants from Western and Northern European countries while severely limiting immigration from other regions, particularly Asia and Africa. By lifting these quotas, the 1965 Act aimed to create a more equitable immigration system based on family reunification and employment needs, rather than on discriminatory practices based on nationality. This shift allowed for a dramatic increase in immigration from a more diverse range of countries, fundamentally altering the demographic makeup of the United States and leading to a more inclusive society.

In contrast, while the other options touch on different aspects of immigration policy, they do not reflect the core change achieved by this landmark legislation.