Immigration Reform: A Work in Progress

PBS | Immigration reform in America and the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act

Produced and directed by: Laila Kazmi

With the passing of the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, the United States abolished the previous quota system, which was designed to give preference to immigrants from Northwestern Europe and restricted Asians. The 1965 Act led to a dramatic shift in America by opening doors to immigrants from around the world. However, the new limits on Central and South America led to a new immigration crisis that continues to this day.