Which act ended national-origin quotas and emphasized family reunification and skills?

• A. National Origins Act of 1924 restricted immigration quotas.
• B. DREAM Act.
• C. Refugee Act of 1980.
• D. Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 ended national-origin quotas; emphasized family reunification and skills.

Answer: (D)

A shift in U.S. immigration policy occurred in 1965, ending the system of national-origin quotas and moving toward a preference-based approach that prioritizes family reunification and skilled workers. Before this change, the national origins framework tightly allocated immigration slots by country, disadvantaging many non-European groups. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 dismantled that quota structure and replaced it with a visa system that values family connections and professional qualifications, while still applying overall caps. This reflects a move toward more inclusive immigration policies tied to personal ties and economic needs. The other options point to earlier or different policy concerns, such as the 1924 act that started the quotas, a proposal focused on DREAMers, or a refugee-focused law, which do not capture the described shift.