Which act made it possible for 400,000 WWII refugees to resettle in the U.S.?

The Displaced Persons Act of 1948 was pivotal in allowing a significant number of World War II refugees to resettle in the United States. This legislation was specifically designed to address the plight of individuals displaced by the war, particularly those from Eastern Europe who had been uprooted due to the conflict and its aftermath.

The act allowed for the admission of up to 400,000 European refugees who were unable to return to their home countries due to the war or subsequent political changes. It recognized the dire circumstances faced by these individuals and created a legal framework that facilitated their entry into the U.S. The law was an important humanitarian response and marked a departure from prior immigration policies that were more restrictive.

While other acts like the Immigration and Nationality Act and the Refugee Relief Act also addressed immigration and refugee issues, they were either enacted later or focused on different groups and contexts. The Migration and Refugee Assistance Act further developed policies around refugee assistance but came after the Displaced Persons Act. Thus, the Displaced Persons Act of 1948 stands out as the decisive legislation regarding WWII refugees in the U.S.