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The Daily
On the Ballot: An Immigration System Most Americans Never Wanted
Oct 29, 2024
David Leonhardt, a senior writer at The New York Times and the mind behind The Morning newsletter, explores the intricacies of the U.S. immigration system. He highlights its evolution post-1965, revealing how policies have often contradicted public sentiment. The discussion includes the historical shifts during the Kennedy era, Barbara Jordan's impactful advocacy, and the political ramifications of recent reforms. Leonhardt delves into the disconnection between political promises and the needs of working-class Americans, framing immigration as a critical issue in the upcoming election.
52:01
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Quick takeaways
- The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 aimed to eliminate discrimination in immigration but inadvertently led to an unexpected surge in immigration levels.
- Barbara Jordan's balanced approach in the 1990s highlighted the need for controlled immigration while still supporting family-based and skilled worker admissions.
Deep dives
The Transformation of Immigration Policy
The U.S. immigration system underwent a significant transformation with the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, which aimed to eliminate a racially discriminatory quota system established in 1924. This act positioned the value of immigrants based on their skills rather than their country of origin, with supporters like John F. Kennedy advocating for broader immigration opportunities. However, the act contained a major loophole that allowed many family members to enter the U.S. without being counted against the quota, leading to an unexpected surge in immigration that contradicted the initial promise that the law would not drastically increase immigration levels.
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Discover
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Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode