Question

question 6 of 10

what did the immigration reform and control act do?

a. decreased security at the southern border and provided amnesty for undocumented workers who entered the country during the 1980s

b. increased security at the southern border and penalized undocumented workers and their employers

c. decreased security at the southern border and provided federal funds to employers who hired undocumented workers

d. increased security at the southern border and provided amnesty for undocumented workers who entered the country during the 1980s

Explanation:

Identify the core components of the act

The Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1986. It was a comprehensive reform package aimed at addressing unauthorized immigration.

Analyze the border security provisions

The act sought to control unauthorized immigration by increasing funding and resources for enforcement, which directly led to increased security at the southern border.

Analyze the employment and legalization provisions

IRCA introduced two major elements:

1. It made it illegal for employers to knowingly hire undocumented workers (introducing employer sanctions).
2. It provided a legalization pathway (amnesty) for certain undocumented immigrants who had entered the United States before January 1, 1982, and resided continuously in the country.

Evaluate the given options

• Option A is incorrect because the act increased, rather than decreased, border security.
• Option B is incorrect because it states that the act penalized undocumented workers themselves, whereas the penalties (sanctions) were targeted at employers, and it omits the major amnesty provision.
• Option C is incorrect because it states the act decreased security and provided federal funds to employers hiring undocumented workers.
• Option D correctly identifies that the act increased security at the southern border and provided amnesty for undocumented workers who had entered the country during the 1980s (specifically prior to 1982).

Answer:

• (A) Decreased security at the southern border and provided amnesty for undocumented workers who entered the country during the 1980s
• (B) Increased security at the southern border and penalized undocumented workers and their employers
• (C) Decreased security at the southern border and provided federal funds to employers who hired undocumented workers
• (D) Increased security at the southern border and provided amnesty for undocumented workers who entered the country during the 1980s (Correct answer)