The Hart-Celler Act, officially known as the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, was a significant piece of legislation that dramatically changed the immigration policy of the United States. Here is an overview of the process involved in the enactment of the 1965 Immigration Act:

1. Historical Context: To understand the process, it's important to recognize the historical context leading up to the Act. The United States had a longstanding immigration policy based on the Immigration Act of 1924, which used a national origins quota system. This system heavily favored immigrants from Northern and Western European countries while severely restricting immigration from other parts of the world, particularly Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe. As the Civil Rights Movement gained momentum, there was increasing pressure to reform the discriminatory immigration system.

2. Introduction of Legislation: The Hart-Celler Act was introduced in Congress by Senator Philip Hart (D-MI) and Representative Emanuel Celler (D-NY) in 1963. Their proposed legislation sought to replace the national origins quota system with a new preference system based on family reunification and employment skills, among other criteria. The bill aimed to create a more equitable and non-discriminatory immigration policy.

3. Congressional Hearings: After its introduction, the bill went through a series of congressional hearings and committee reviews. During this process, lawmakers debated the merits of the proposed changes and examined the potential impact on the nation's immigration patterns.

4. Amendments and Compromises: The legislative process involved multiple amendments and compromises to garner broader support. Various interest groups, including those advocating for the rights of immigrants and refugees, offered input and pushed for specific provisions to be included in the final version of the bill.

5. Senate and House Passage: The bill was passed by the U.S. Senate on September 22, 1965, by a vote of 76 to 18. It then went to the House of Representatives, where it was approved on October 3, 1965, by a vote of 326 to 69.

6. Presidential Signature: With both chambers of Congress having passed the bill, it was sent to President Lyndon B. Johnson for his signature. On October 3, 1965, President Johnson signed the bill into law, officially enacting the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965.

7. Key Provisions: The Hart-Celler Act abolished the national origins quota system that had been in place since 1924. Instead, it established a new immigration policy based on family reunification and employment skills, giving preference to immigrants with relatives already in the United States or those who possessed needed skills.

8. Immediate Impact: The 1965 Immigration Act had an immediate impact on immigration patterns. It led to a significant increase in immigration from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, diversifying the immigrant population and transforming the demographic landscape of the United States.

The Hart-Celler Act is often considered a landmark piece of legislation in U.S. history. It marked a departure from the discriminatory immigration policies of the past and established a foundation for a more inclusive and diverse immigration system.