Immigration has been discussed by almost every current United States presidential candidate spurring debate around new policy. In the midst of this debate, a new report by the Pew Research Center sheds light on immigration trends in the past five decades.
The report shows that previous reform of the United States’ immigration policy in 1965 heavily influenced immigration trends. The 1965 Immigration Reform Act made significant changes to immigration policies which departed from the traditional regional based quota system and focused on reuniting families - previously the policy favored certain European regions whereas the new policy prioritized skill and existing family connections. Since the passage of the act, 59 million immigrants have entered the United States.
This massive wave of immigration from 1965-2015 caused rapid foreign born population growth from 9.6 Million to 45 Million. The foreign born population growth rate within the United States is predicted to increase from 14% in 2015 to a record 18% in 2065. According to Pew, new immigrants and their families accounted for 55% of U.S. population growth between the years of 1965 and 2015.
This immigration wave is continually evolving; the U.S. Pew Research reports “In 1965, 84% of Americans were Non-Hispanic whites. By 2015, that share had declined to 62%.” Furthermore, by 2065 Hispanics will see their population share grow 6% while Asians will see their share rise 8%. This change in racial composition means that Non-Hispanic whites are predicted to become less than half of the U.S. population by 2055.
This report indicates a huge impact from the 1965 policy shift. It has resulted in significant demographic shifts that will only become more apparent over time.
Further Reading:
“Modern Immigration Wave Brings 59 Million to U.S., Driving Population Growth and Change Through 2065”
“1965 Immigration and Nationality Act Explanation”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivnWXxiKERs
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