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Date November 2021 Marks available 15 Reference code 21N.3op2.HL.TZ0.34
Level Higher level only Paper Paper 3 (History of the Americas) Time zone TZ0
Command term Evaluate Question number 34 Adapted from N/A

Question

Section 17: Civil rights and social movements in the Americas post-1945

Evaluate the effectiveness of immigration reform in the United States.

Markscheme

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the effectiveness of immigration reform in the United States, weighing up its strengths and limitations. Candidates may refer to the Immigration Reform Act of 1965 as the first major attempt to end the restrictive immigration policies established in 1924, which had prioritized European immigration. This change allowed many more immigrants from Asia, Africa and Latin America, creating a more diverse United States. By the 1980s, immigration, especially illegal immigration, had become a major political issue. Candidates may refer to the Immigration Reform Act of 1986 as a positive step, granting amnesty to illegal immigrants and enhancing border security. Immigration legislation and reform continued to be an issue throughout the 20th century, as many Americans saw it as a problem and a threat to their country. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

Examiners report

The question required the evaluation of the effectiveness of immigration reform in the United States. It was seldom chosen, with poor results. Answers referred to immigration as a whole but showed limited focus or knowledge on laws and reform.

Syllabus sections

HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 2: History of the Americas » 17: Civil rights and social movements in the Americas post 1945 » Hispanic American movement in the United States; Cesar Chavez; immigration reform
HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 2: History of the Americas » 17: Civil rights and social movements in the Americas post 1945
HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 2: History of the Americas
HL options: first exams 2017

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