9.4 Migration and Immigration in the 1990s and 2000s

New Waves of Immigration

After 1965 immigration reform ended national-origin quotas, immigration surged from Latin America and Asia. By the 1990s–2000s, growing numbers arrived from Mexico, Central America, China, India, and the Philippines, reshaping U.S. demographics, especially in the Sun Belt and major metro areas, and fueling debate over labor, culture, and national identity.

Debates Over Immigration Policy

Rising immigration, including undocumented immigration, sparked political conflict. Proposition 187 (1994) in California sought to deny public services to undocumented immigrants. Congress passed the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (1996), tightening enforcement. After 9/11, security concerns intensified debates, leading to stricter border enforcement and calls for comprehensive immigration reform that remained unresolved into the 2000s.

Economic and Social Impact

Immigrants filled roles in agriculture, technology, and service industries, and remittances tied U.S. communities to home countries. Critics argued immigration strained jobs and public resources, while supporters cited economic growth and cultural diversity. Growing Latino and Asian American populations increased political influence and diversified American culture, food, and religion, even as immigration remained a contentious, unresolved policy issue.

Key terms

1965 Immigration and Nationality Act

Ended national-origin quotas, allowing increased immigration from Latin America and Asia.

Proposition 187 (1994)

California measure to deny public services to undocumented immigrants; later ruled unconstitutional.

Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (1996)

Federal law that increased border enforcement and restricted benefits for undocumented immigrants.

Post-9/11 immigration policy

Heightened border security and immigration enforcement due to national security concerns after the 2001 terrorist attacks.

Impact of new immigration (1990s–2000s)

Increased Latino and Asian populations diversified U.S. culture and politics while fueling debates over jobs and public resources.

Try an AP-style question

Immigration after 1965 came increasingly from…

1. Scandinavia
2. northern Europe
3. Canada only
4. Latin America and Asia