Which act ended the quota system based on national origin in the U.S.?

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 is significant for its role in ending the quota system based on national origin that had been established by earlier immigration laws, particularly the Immigration Act of 1924. The previous quota system favored immigrants from northern and western European countries while heavily restricting those from other parts of the world, particularly Asia and Africa.

The 1965 Act shifted the focus of U.S. immigration policy to family reunification and skilled immigrants, rather than country of origin. This landmark legislation allowed for a more equitable immigration process, ultimately leading to a diversification of the immigrant population in the United States. The changes made by the Act paved the way for increased immigration from regions that had been previously marginalized, such as Latin America and Asia.

This Act remains a pivotal moment in U.S. immigration history, as it reflected a shift toward valuing the contributions of immigrants from all backgrounds, moving away from policies that promoted racial and ethnic inequalities.