What was the effect of the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act (Hart-Celler Act)?

• A. It ended national-origin quotas and emphasized family reunification and skills-based immigration
• B. It maintained strict quotas based on origin
• C. It reduced overall immigration
• D. It restricted family reunification

Answer: (A)

The main idea this question tests is how a major change in U.S. immigration policy shifted away from race-based limits toward family ties and skills. The 1965 Hart-Celler Act ended the national-origin quotas that favored certain regions and imposed racialized limits. Instead, it created a preference system that prioritizes family reunification—bringing spouses, children, and other close relatives of U.S. citizens or lawful residents—and skilled or professional workers who can contribute to the economy. This reframed who can immigrate by focusing on relationships and abilities rather than country of origin, while still applying some per-country limits to keep the system balanced. That combination—ending the old origin-based quotas and prioritizing family and skills—captures why this option is the best description of the act’s effect.