The Historical Context of Immigration Policies

Before 1987, U.S. employers were not required to verify the immigration status of their employees, creating a historical landscape where unauthorized workers could be hired without repercussions. This perspective was rooted in capitalist principles advocating the freedom to hire anyone, challenging the notion of restricting labor as contrary to free market ideals. The introduction of the 1986 immigration law marked a significant shift by establishing legal requirements for verifying employee status, aligning the U.S. with more stringent policies seen in Europe. This historical backdrop sets the stage for understanding contemporary immigration challenges as both political and economic issues that continue to evolve with societal expectations.