NYC Tour Guide Practice Test

What was the purpose of the 1965 Hart-Cellars Act?

1. A. Limit immigration from European countries

2. B. Allow more Asians to immigrate

3. C. Focus on family-based immigration

4. D. Increase agricultural exports

The correct answer is: B. Allow more Asians to immigrate

The correct answer is B. The purpose of the 1965 Hart-Cellars Act was to allow more Asians to immigrate. The Act abolished the national origins quota system that favored European immigration and instead implemented a preference system based on immigrants' skills and family relationships with U.S. citizens or residents. This led to a significant increase in Asian immigration to the United States. Option A is incorrect because the Act aimed to shift away from limiting immigration from European countries. Option C is partly correct, as family-based immigration was a focus of the Act, but the primary purpose was to prioritize skill and family relationships rather than just family ties. Option D is incorrect as the 1965 Hart-Cellars Act was not related to increasing agricultural exports.