What was the primary goal of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986?

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 aimed primarily to control illegal immigration while also granting amnesty to certain undocumented immigrants. The law was significant as it established a pathway to legal status for individuals who had been residing in the United States continuously since before 1982 and met specific criteria.

This dual approach intended to address the growing concerns about illegal immigration—by implementing penalties for employers who hired undocumented workers—and to acknowledge the reality of the existing undocumented population by providing a means of legalization. The act sought to balance the need for immigration control with the humanitarian consideration of allowing long-standing residents to contribute legally to society.

The act did not aim to eliminate illegal immigration completely, as completely eradicating it would require more stringent measures not outlined in this law. Additionally, while some educational opportunities for immigrants were a part of broader immigration discussions, this wasn't the core goal of the Act. Restricting employment opportunities was not the focus; in fact, the act sought to regulate and reform the employment practices related to immigrants. Therefore, the primary goal is best encapsulated by the desire to manage illegal immigration while facilitating a process for amnesty.