Which law serves as the foundation for immigration policy in the United States?

The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) serves as the foundation for immigration policy in the United States, as it established the legal framework for immigration and naturalization processes. Enacted in 1952, the INA consolidated previous immigration laws and set forth comprehensive regulations governing various aspects of immigration, including visas, residency, and citizenship pathways. It also defines the rights and responsibilities of immigrants and the conditions under which non-citizens may enter, stay, or be removed from the country.

This legislation has been amended multiple times to address changing social, economic, and political factors, but it remains the cornerstone of U.S. immigration law. Its significance lies in its broad scope, as it outlines both the qualifications for immigrants seeking entry into the United States and the enforcement mechanisms for those who violate immigration laws, effectively guiding the nation's immigration policy framework.