Compare And Contrast The Voting Rights Act Of 1965

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In conclusion, both the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments of 1965 were successful in their mission. The VRA not only opened doors for African Americans but also other minorities such as Latinos, Asian/Native Americans. By giving more power into the hands of federal government, ensured that states act in a manner that followed laws and regulations. Similarly, the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 increased minority population in the US. This meant now there were more minority representatives in the office who would then vote in their interests and also minimize chances of passing laws that would harm minority groups. The unfortunate truth is that discrimination still exists in our politics/society/day …show more content…

This was the issue of strict immigration rules that prevented many immigrants from coming to the United States. These were called National Origin Quotas (1921-1924). It limited immigration from Europe which consequently led to a high immigration rate from Americas. Demand for labor increased too and was now supplied by immigrants from Americas (Lecture 4). Major industries mainly agriculture became intensively depended on Latino labor leading to expansion of Latino immigrants. Then to limit Latino immigration a pact named “The Bracero Program” was signed. Many Americans sought to maintain “Ethnic Composition” of the 1870s and therefore limit immigration from countries with fewer or none currently residing immigrants in the US (Lecture 4). American public’s anti-immigrant demands could clearly be seen in the American (“Know Nothing”) Party (the 1850s), and the Red Scares at the end of World War I (“Defining Who We Will Be: U.S. Immigration Policy"). There were similar ongoing issues which forced the Congress to pass the Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments of 1965. It was signed by Lyndon B. Johnson at the Liberty Island where the very first immigrant put her step into the US (Remarks at the Signing of the Immigration Bill, Liberty Island). Compared to VRA of 1965 this was not as much of an important topic and therefore received little attention plus its initial effects were thought to be very minimal (Lecture