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The Voting Rights Act Of 1965

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The United States was not always considered to be a country that provided equal opportunities for all citizens. Even though numerous opportunities such as participating in political activities, working, and residing were offered, restrictions made these opportunities almost impossible to obtain. Unfair restrictions, including violence, literacy tests, and quotas negatively impacted mostly minorities and immigrants. However, drastic changes occurred during the year 1965; these changes positively impacted the minority community. During this year, Congress passed the Voting Rights Act and the Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 helped enforce the 15th Amendment and prohibited racial discrimination in voting. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 abolished quotas based on nationality and allowed Americans to sponsor relatives from their countries of origin. The Voting Rights Act and the Immigration and Naturalization Amendments of 1965 did not only reduce previous state-sponsored discrimination and exclusion, but helped increase minority political empowerment, participation, and diversity in the United States. Before the passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, there was a high rate of racial discrimination, specifically towards African Americans. Due to negative factors such as literacy tests, a majority of African Americans were not able to fully exercise their right to vote. Literacy tests were used to deny and discourage

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