The 1965 Immigration Act — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

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

About This Reader

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Aligned with C3 Framework and Common Core standards, this lesson supports literacy development while teaching important historical content.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 Immigration Act of 1965 was a new law that changed the way people could come to live in the United States. Before this law, there were strict limits on how many people could come from each country. These rules were called quotas. They often favored people from Europe and made it harder for people from Asia, Africa, and other places to come to America.

In the 1960s, many Americans wanted to make the country more fair. They believed that everyone should have an equal chance to live in the United States. President Lyndon B. Johnson was one of those leaders. He spoke at the base of the Statue of Liberty when he signed the new law. He said, "This bill that we sign today is not a revolutionary bill. It does not affect the lives of millions. Yet it is still one of the most important acts of this Congress and of this administration."

The 1965 Immigration Act removed the old quotas. Now, people from all over the world could apply to move to the United States. The new law gave families a better chance to reunite. It also let workers with special skills come to help the country grow. More people from Asia, Africa, and Latin America began to move to the U.S. after the law was passed.

Many new immigrants settled in places like California. They brought new ideas, foods, and traditions. This made American cities more diverse. Schools, neighborhoods, and workplaces changed as people from many cultures shared their lives.

The 1965 Immigration Act helped build a stronger, more united country. It showed that Americans could change laws to make things fairer for everyone. Today, many people in the United States have family members who came here because of this law.

Interesting Fact: The 1965 Immigration Act was signed at the base of the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and welcome for people around the world.

Who signed the 1965 Immigration Act?

President Lyndon B. JohnsonPresident Abraham LincolnPresident George WashingtonPresident John F. Kennedy

When was the Immigration Act signed?

1965177618651920

Where did the signing take place?

At the Statue of LibertyThe White HouseThe Capitol BuildingIndependence Hall

Why did people want to change the old law?

To make it more fairTo stop all immigrationTo help only one countryTo raise taxes

What was one effect of the new law?

More diversity in AmericaFewer immigrantsMore quotasNo family reunions

What did President Johnson say about the bill?

It is very importantIt is not neededIt helps only a fewIt is unfair