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The 1965 Immigration Act — Reading Comprehension

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D2.HIS.4.3-5
D2.HIS.14.3-5
RI.5.3
RI.5.4
W.5.2

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Discover the story of the 1965 Immigration Act with this engaging U.S. history reading passage. Perfect for building reading comprehension and social studies skills, this passage explains how the Immigration Act changed America by removing old limits and welcoming people from all around the world. Students will learn about how the law shaped modern California and the United States, increased diversity, and promoted fairness. The passage includes a glossary of key terms, a Spanish translation, and interactive activities like quizzes, writing prompts, and graphic organizers. Aligned with C3 Framework and Common Core standards, this lesson supports literacy development while teaching important historical content. A read-aloud audio option and a timeline help make learning accessible and fun for all students. Great for classroom or home study, and ideal for learning about U.S. immigration history and its impact on society.

CONTENT PREVIEW

President Lyndon B. Johnson Signing of the Immigration Act of 1965 (02) - restoration1 — "President Lyndon B. Johnson Signing of the Immigration Act of 1965 by LBJ Library photo by Yoichi Okamoto
Source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1965 Immigration Act was a new law that changed who could come to live in the United States. Before 1965, the U.S. had rules called national-origin quotas. These rules made it hard for people from Asia, Africa, and Latin America to move to America. Most people allowed to immigrate came from Europe. Many families were separated for years because of these unfair rules.

In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Immigration Act into law. This law ended the national-origin quotas. It made a fair system where people from all over the world could apply to move to the United States. Now, more people from Asia, Latin America, and other parts of the world had the chance to build new lives in America.

California was greatly affected by this law. After 1965, California saw a large increase in immigration. People from China, India, Mexico, the Philippines, and many other countries arrived. They brought their cultures, languages, foods, and traditions. This made California a much more diverse place. In cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, you can now find neighborhoods filled with people from all around the globe.

The 1965 Immigration Act changed California’s population. Children from many backgrounds went to school together. New holidays and festivals became part of California’s life. Businesses also grew because of the new ideas and skills that immigrants brought with them.

Some people worried about so many new arrivals. But over time, most Californians saw the positive effects. The state became known for its mix of cultures and opportunities for all. Today, California has people from more than 200 different countries. It is now the most diverse state in America.

The 1965 Immigration Act showed that laws can help people live better lives and make a place stronger. It inspired the United States to welcome people from all walks of life. The law helped shape modern America, especially in California, where diversity is a source of pride and strength.

Interesting Fact: The 1965 Immigration Act was signed at the foot of the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of hope for immigrants coming to America.

Who signed the 1965 Immigration Act?

Lyndon B. JohnsonJohn F. KennedyRonald ReaganAbraham Lincoln

What did the old quotas limit?

Immigration from some countriesVoting rightsSchool attendanceBusiness growth

Which state changed most after 1965?

CaliforniaTexasNew YorkFlorida

What did immigrants bring to California?

Cultures and traditionsQuotasOld lawsGold

How did California’s population change?

It became more diverseIt got smallerIt became less diverseNo change

Why was the 1965 Act important?