What was a significant result of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996?

The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) of 1996 was designed primarily to enhance enforcement measures related to immigration. One of its significant outcomes was the introduction of stricter controls, which included increased funding for border security, new penalties for undocumented immigrants, and measures to expedite the deportation processes. This legislation aimed to address concerns about illegal immigration by reinforcing existing laws and establishing more rigorous requirements for legal immigration.

The law also implemented reforms that impacted the legal immigration system and sought to reduce illegal immigration through greater scrutiny and enforcement. By tightening immigration controls, the IIRIRA demonstrated the U.S. government’s response to rising public concern over illegal immigration and its perceived impacts on the labor market and social services, marking a significant shift in immigration policy during that era.