Immigration policies in the United States often have a profound effect on immigrant families and the communities in which they live. As policies change over time, so too do the experiences of immigrants in America.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986
In 1986, the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) was signed into law by then-President Ronald Reagan. This legislation looked at addressing illegal immigration by offering amnesty to undocumented immigrants who had been continuously living in the country since 1982; it also imposed penalties on those employers who had knowingly hired undocumented workers into their workforces.
For many immigrant families, the IRCA provided a path to legalization that allowed them to finally emerge from the proverbial shadows. Over 2.7 million undocumented immigrants applied for, and were granted, permanent residency under the IRCA amnesty provisions. On a community level, the IRCA amnesty program enabled many immigrants to invest more fully in their local communities. It let them buy homes, open businesses, and participate in a range of civic organizations. Overall, the amnesty program strengthened and empowered immigrant families and communities.
Increasing Border Security and Illegal Immigration Crackdowns
In the decades following the IRCA, the political winds shifted toward more restrictive immigration policies. There was a greater emphasis on border security and internal enforcement against illegal immigration. Measures included increased human resources and fencing along the country’s southern border, mandatory detention and fast-track deportation procedures, increased workplace raids, and more restrictive state laws.
These measures, whether intentional or not, have separated hundreds of thousands of immigrant families where one or more members lack legal status. Raids and detentions result in emotional trauma for children left behind, economic hardship because of lost income, and greater difficulty accessing services because of deportation fears.
Bans and Restrictions on Entry for Certain Nationalities
In addition to policies aimed at illegal immigration, various administrations have also enacted bans and strict restrictions on legal immigration from certain countries. Examples include the Chinese Exclusion Act in the late 19th century, the national origins quota system in place for much of the 20th century, and more recent travel bans applied to nations such as Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen.
Bans and restrictions based on nationality or religion have created great hardship and uncertainty for affected immigrants and their families. People with deep ties to the U.S. through work, study or family have been denied entry or had applications stalled. Families endure long separations waiting for exemptions and appeals.
Caps, Quotas and Changing Eligibility for Work Visas
There are also policy shifts that impact people seeking to immigrate legally for economic or employment reasons. Annual caps and per-country quotas for permanent work visas can create decade-long backlogs, as demand consistently exceeds supply. Changes in eligibility requirements for skilled work visas, such as H-1B and H-2B, also affect who can enter the country.
Employment-based caps and quotas lead to family separation as workers remain stuck abroad waiting for green cards. Meanwhile, changes to work visa rules disrupt hiring and retention, causing uncertainty for employers and immigrant workers alike. The experts at immigration San Jose immigration lawyer firm Graham Adair explain that an immigration attorney can help navigate constantly changing policies and backlogs but delays still take a toll on families.
Conclusion
Each major shift in U.S. immigration policy over recent decades has had profound repercussions for immigrant families and communities. While reform is always needed to address new challenges, it is vital to consider these human impacts. Policy choices must balance economic needs, national security concerns and humanitarian obligations in order to uphold the ideals of fairness and family unity.
