How did John F. Kennedy's presidency impact U.S. immigration policy?

John F. Kennedy's presidency had a significant impact on U.S. immigration policy, particularly through the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. This act abolished the national-origin quota system that had been in place since the 1920s and introduced a new system based on family reunification and skills-based criteria.

Prior to the 1965 act, the national-origin quota system gave preference to immigrants from Western European countries, while severely limiting immigration from other regions such as Asia and Africa. This discriminatory system was seen as outdated and unjust, and was widely criticized by civil rights and immigrant rights advocates.

The new system introduced by the 1965 act greatly expanded the number of immigrants allowed to enter the United States, and eliminated discriminatory quotas based on national origin. It also established a preference system based on family relationships and job skills, which continues to shape U.S. immigration policy to this day.

Overall, Kennedy's presidency played a crucial role in moving U.S. immigration policy towards a more inclusive and equitable approach, based on the principles of family reunification and merit-based criteria.