A system that limits the number of immigrants from specific countries or regions based on a predetermined quota or percentage.
Related terms
Immigration Act of 1924: U.S legislation that established strict immigration quotas based on nationality.
Chinese Exclusion Act: A law passed in 1882 that prohibited Chinese laborers from entering the United States.
Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965: Legislation that abolished national origin quotas and introduced new criteria for immigration based on family reunification and professional skills.