1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act

Name: 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act
Start: 1986-10-17
Location: Unspecified

The 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act Explained

Overview of the 1986 Immigration Bill

The 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) was a landmark piece of legislation passed by the United States Congress. This act aimed to address the growing issue of undocumented immigrants in the country. Among its major provisions, the law made it illegal for employers to knowingly hire workers who could not prove they were authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally, it provided a pathway to amnesty for certain undocumented immigrants who had entered the country before January 1, 1982.

Reasons Behind the 1986 Immigration Reform

The passage of the IRCA can be attributed to increasing public concern over the rising number of illegal aliens in the U.S. and the perception that government policies were ineffective in managing immigration. In response, lawmakers sought to create balance by enforcing penalties on employers, with the ultimate goal of reducing the number of undocumented immigrants living in the country.

Impact of the Immigration Act

Amnesty Provisions and Their Consequences

The IRCA offered amnesty to around 2.7 million undocumented immigrants who had resided in the U.S. since before 1982. This provision was significant as it aimed to legalize the status of many individuals who had previously lived in fear of deportation. The success of this amnesty program, however, is often debated, with some arguing that it encouraged further illegal immigration by sending mixed signals.

Employer Sanctions and Enforcement Challenges

To deter employment of illegal immigrants, the IRCA instituted employer sanctions. Employers faced penalties for hiring undocumented workers, meant to encourage them to verify the legal status of their employees. Yet, enforcement proved difficult, as many businesses found ways to circumvent the regulations, calling into question the effectiveness of employer sanctions.

Fun Fact

Did You Know?

Despite the intentions of the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act, the estimated number of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. grew significantly in the years following its implementation, reaching over 11 million by 2010.