Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA, 1986)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (8 U.S.C. § 1324a et seq.)

2) Why It Was Done
The IRCA was passed to address concerns about unauthorized immigration. It combined stronger enforcement with a legalization program, attempting to balance border security with humanitarian relief.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Before IRCA, there were no federal penalties for employers hiring unauthorized immigrants. IRCA introduced employer sanctions while providing a path to legal status for many undocumented residents.

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: