On Oct. 3, 1965, at the base of the Statue of Liberty and with the island of Manhattan gleaming in the background, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Immigration and Nationality Act, also known as the Hart-Celler Act.
In the previous 40 years before the act was signed, those who wanted to come to America were subject to a quota system. Immigration law favored immigrants from northern Europe and the British Isles, discriminated against those from southern and eastern Europe, and barred those from Asia and non-whites from entering the country.
The Immigration and Nationality Act abolished quotas, opening the doors to "those who can contribute most to this country – to its growth, to its strength, to its spirit." The new law created a preference system that focused on immigrants' skills and family relations with citizens or U. S. residents.
President John F. Kennedy, whose Irish ancestors had faced prejudice, wanted immigration reform. As president, Johnson turned to Kennedy's brother, Ted, to help steer the bill through Congress. In a March 8, 1965 telephone conversation, the two men talked about strengthening their working relationship and dispelling rumors about a strain between Johnson and Kennedy supporters. The conversation can be heard below.
For historical perspective, the LBJ Presidential Library has collected related photos, videos, audio, and text from the bill signing. All are public domain.
Over my shoulders here you can see Ellis Island, whose vacant corridors echo today the joyous sound of long ago voices. And today we can all believe that the lamp of this grand old lady is brighter today—and the golden door that she guards gleams more brilliantly in the light of an increased liberty for the people from all the countries of the globe.
President Lyndon B. Johnson Oct. 3, 1965For all media and advertising inquiries, please contact LBJ Presidential Library Communications Office.
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