Immigration Reform And Control Act Of 1986 Pdf
Immigration has been one of the most important and controversial issues in the United States for decades. In the 1980s, the US government passed the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, which remains one of the most significant changes to US immigration law to this day. In this article, we'll explore what this law is, why it was passed, and what its impact has been on US immigration.
What is the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986?
The Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986 is a US federal law that aimed to control and reform the country's immigration policies. It was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on November 6, 1986. The law had two main provisions:
- It granted amnesty to over three million undocumented immigrants who had been living in the United States since before January 1, 1982, and who met certain eligibility requirements.
- It made it illegal for employers to hire undocumented immigrants and required them to verify the employment eligibility of every worker they hired by completing an I-9 form.
The IRCA was the first comprehensive US immigration law to address undocumented immigrants and employer sanctions. It was a response to the growing concern about the large number of undocumented immigrants in the United States, especially those from Mexico and Central America.
Why Was the IRCA Passed?
The IRCA was passed in response to several factors that were affecting US immigration policy at the time. One of the primary reasons was the large number of undocumented immigrants in the country. In the early 1980s, estimates suggest that there were between six and eight million undocumented immigrants living in the United States, many of whom had been in the country for years.
Another factor was the perception that undocumented immigrants were taking jobs away from US citizens and legal residents. This was a concern in several industries, such as agriculture, where many undocumented immigrants worked as farm laborers.
Finally, the IRCA was seen as a way to improve national security by cracking down on undocumented immigrants who might have criminal backgrounds or connections to terrorist organizations.
What Were the Effects of the IRCA?
Since its passage, the IRCA has had a significant impact on US immigration policy and the country's immigrant population. Here are some of the main effects:
Amnesty for Undocumented Immigrants
One of the most significant effects of the IRCA was the granting of amnesty to over three million undocumented immigrants. This allowed them to apply for legal residency and eventual citizenship, as long as they met the eligibility requirements. This was a major step forward for undocumented immigrants who had been living in the shadows for years.
Employer Sanctions
Another important effect of the IRCA was the creation of employer sanctions. This made it illegal for employers to hire undocumented immigrants and required them to verify the employment eligibility of every worker they hired. This was meant to reduce the demand for undocumented labor and discourage future undocumented immigration.
Increased Border Enforcement
The IRCA also led to increased border enforcement and the creation of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. This was meant to make it more difficult for undocumented immigrants to enter the country illegally and to crack down on those who did.
Controversy and Criticism
The IRCA has been controversial since its passage, with critics on both sides of the political spectrum. Some argue that it didn't go far enough to address the root causes of undocumented immigration, such as poverty and violence in other countries. Others argue that it was too lenient in granting amnesty to undocumented immigrants and that it encouraged future illegal immigration.
Conclusion
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 remains one of the most significant changes to US immigration law in history. It granted amnesty to millions of undocumented immigrants, created employer sanctions, and led to increased border enforcement. While the law has been controversial and criticized, it helped shape US immigration policy for decades to come.