Immigration – Timeline of Key Acts

Modern U.S. immigration law was reshaped in the late 20th century by two landmark statutes. Together, they defined today’s framework for legalization, employer sanctions, enforcement, and deportation.

Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA, 1986)

• Legalized approximately 3 million undocumented immigrants meeting residency and work criteria.
• Prohibited employers from knowingly hiring unauthorized workers.
• Introduced the I-9 employment verification system, later expanded into E-Verify.

Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA, 1996)

• Expanded deportation/removal grounds and introduced expedited removal procedures.
• Imposed 3-year, 10-year, and permanent reentry bars for unlawful presence.
• Created the 287(g) program, allowing state and local law enforcement to enforce immigration laws.
• Mandated detention for broad categories of immigrants.

Why It Matters Today

These laws:

• Define the core structure of U.S. immigration enforcement.
• Balance legalization programs with heavy sanctions and restrictions.
• Remain central to debates over border security, DACA, asylum, and immigration reform.

Official Sources

• 8 U.S.C. – Immigration and Nationality Act
• Congress.gov – IRCA 1986
• Congress.gov – IIRIRA 1996

• Immigration
• Border Security
• Deportation
• Legalization
• Timeline