Overriding Elites

WHEN Congress considered reform of an immensely popular immigration policy in 1965, a Harris poll found the public opposed by a 2 to 1 margin. Americans objected to any change in the composition of the immigrant stream, and even more to any increase in the numbers. Congress changed the law anyway, promising that numbers would not rise.

Immigration began to rise immediately. But Congress neither corrected its mistake nor backed up its promise. For three decades, Congress has consistently protected higher and higher numbers while national polls have found larger and larger majorities of Americans wanting those numbers cut back.

RB

About the Author

Roy Beck

Featured Tags

WHEN Congress considered reform of an immensely popular immigration policy in 1965, a Harris poll found the public opposed by a 2 to 1 margin. Americans objected to any change in the composition of the immigrant stream, and even more to any increase in the numbers. Congress changed the law anyway, promising that numbers would not rise.

Immigration began to rise immediately. But Congress neither corrected its mistake nor backed up its promise. For three decades, Congress has consistently protected higher and higher numbers while national polls have found larger and larger majorities of Americans wanting those numbers cut back.