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:

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

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (8 U.S.C.)

2) Why It Was Done
IIRIRA was passed to tighten immigration enforcement in response to growing concerns about unauthorized immigration. It expanded deportation grounds, restricted judicial review, and introduced new barriers to legal status.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
IRCA (1986) introduced employer sanctions and legalization but did not stop unauthorized immigration. IIRIRA built on IRCA’s framework by greatly expanding federal enforcement power, often clashing with due process and constitutional protections.