In the 50’s, America’s immigration policy was such that those most beneficial to the nation’s good and interest were placed at the head of the line. All were subjected to a background investigation and adults were expected to have a trade in order to fend for themselves.
All were issued a green card upon arrival (alien registration card) and were told to show the card at a post office once a year. This way, government could know the whereabouts of its aliens.
During the LBJ presidency this process went out of the window and immigration became a free for all.
Dead Ted Kennedy mentioned that his immigration policy was responsible for bringing Obama’s dad over here. Like it was a good thing. For their side it was.