The United States of America has always been a melting pot of cultures, with millions of people from all over the world choosing to call it home. The country’s immigration policies have undergone several changes over the years, with the most recent ones being implemented in the past few years. In this article, we will take a closer look at the US immigration policy, its history, and how it works.
-
History of US Immigration Policy
The history of US immigration policy dates back to the 19th century when the country first began regulating the entry of foreigners into its borders. The first federal immigration law, the Immigration Act of 1882, imposed a tax on immigrants and required ships to provide passenger lists to immigration officials upon arrival.
Over the years, several other immigration laws were passed, including the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which banned Chinese laborers from entering the country. In 1924, the Immigration Act established quotas for immigrants based on nationality, which heavily favored immigrants from Northern and Western Europe.
In the 1960s, the Immigration and Nationality Act was passed, which abolished the quota system and established a preference system based on job skills, family relationships, and refugee status. This act also eliminated the racial and ethnic barriers that had been in place for many years.
-
Current US Immigration Policy
The current US immigration policy is centered around three main principles – national security, economic growth, and family reunification. To achieve these objectives, the policy is divided into several categories, each with its own requirements and criteria.
-
Family-Based Immigration
One of the primary objectives of US immigration policy is family reunification. The country allows US citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor their immediate family members for immigration. Immediate family members include spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents of US citizens who are over the age of 21.
-
Employment-Based Immigration
The US immigration policy also seeks to attract foreign talent to help drive economic growth. The country allows US employers to sponsor foreign workers for temporary or permanent employment, provided they meet certain requirements. The employment-based immigration categories include priority workers, professionals with advanced degrees, skilled workers, and certain special immigrants.
-
Refugee and Asylum Seekers
The US immigration policy also provides protection to refugees and asylum seekers who are fleeing persecution or violence in their home countries. Refugees are individuals who are outside their country of origin and unable or unwilling to return due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Asylum seekers are individuals who are already in the US or at a US port of entry and apply for protection based on the same grounds as refugees.
The US immigration policy is a complex set of laws and regulations that are constantly evolving to reflect changing economic, social, and political realities. While it is primarily focused on national security, economic growth, and family reunification, the policy also recognizes the importance of providing protection to refugees and asylum seekers. The policy has been shaped by the country’s history and reflects the core values of diversity and inclusivity that have made America a beacon of hope for people around the world.
