Hart-Celler Act

Prior to 1965, the US had implemented a quota system that heavily favored immigrants from Europe while severely limiting immigration from other parts of the world. The Hart-Cellar Act abolished this system and introduced a new one based on family reunification and professional skills, which dramatically increased immigration from Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

The act significantly impacted Asian Americans, as it opened up new opportunities for immigration and family reunification. Many Asian Americans had been excluded from immigrating to the US prior to the act due to restrictive quotas and discriminatory policies. The Hart-Cellar Act allowed for greater diversity in immigration, with more Asians and other non-European immigrants being able to enter the US. As of 2019, 14.1 million immigrants from Asia were residing in the United States, representing a 29-fold increase from 1960. 

In addition to facilitating immigration, the Hart-Cellar Act also played a role in shaping the social and political landscape of the United States. The influx of immigrants from Asia and other parts of the world contributed to the growing diversity of the country and helped to challenge longstanding notions of what it meant to be an American. Asian Americans began to organize and advocate for their rights, forming community organizations and political groups that sought to address issues such as discrimination and inequality.