QuestionDecember 18, 2025

Describe the key differences between immigration patterns in the late 19th century and those after the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. What were the main countries of origin for immigrants during each period, and what factors contributed to these changes?

Describe the key differences between immigration patterns in the late 19th century and those after the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. What were the main countries of origin for immigrants during each period, and what factors contributed to these changes?
Describe the key differences between immigration patterns in the late 19th century and those after the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. What were the main countries of origin for immigrants during each period, and what factors contributed to these changes?

Solution
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Answer

In the **late 19th century**, most immigrants to the United States came from **Northern and Western Europe**, particularly **Ireland, Germany, and Britain**, later expanding to **Southern and Eastern Europe** (Italy, Poland, Russia). Factors such as **industrial job opportunities**, **political unrest**, and **poverty** fueled this migration. After the **Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965**, the main sources of immigration shifted dramatically to **Latin America (especially Mexico)** and **Asia (India, China, the Philippines, Korea, and Vietnam)**. This change occurred because the Act **abolished restrictive national origin quotas**, emphasized **family reunification**, and opened opportunities for **skilled and professional workers**. Overall, immigration after 1965 became more **ethnically diverse**, **globally distributed**, and **motivated by both economic opportunity and family ties**, reflecting a modern, globalized movement of people rather than a Eurocentric pattern. Explanation In the late 19th century, immigration to the U.S. was mainly from Europe, driven by industrialization and social upheaval. After the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, immigration diversified, with more arrivals from Latin America and Asia, owing to policy changes abolishing national origin quotas and emphasizing skills and family reunification.

Explanation

In the late 19th century, immigration to the U.S. was mainly from Europe, driven by industrialization and social upheaval. After the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, immigration diversified, with more arrivals from Latin America and Asia, owing to policy changes abolishing national origin quotas and emphasizing skills and family reunification.
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