Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)

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3. Glossary
4. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)

INA: The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) was passed in 1965. Known as the Hart-Celler Act for its congressional sponsors, the law laid the foundation for the current legal immigration system. The act eliminated the national-origin quota system, which accepted immigrants based on their race and ancestry. Under the new law, immigrants of all nationalities were treated roughly equally, and were allowed into the country on the basis of their family relationships or professional skills. Find more information about U.S. immigration laws.