The Immigration Act of 1965 marked a pivotal moment in American immigration history, particularly for South Asian communities. This landmark legislation abolished the discriminatory national origin quotas that had severely limited immigration from Asia since the 1920s.

The Act established a new preference system based on family reunification and skilled labor, opening doors for educated professionals from India and Pakistan. This led to a dramatic increase in South Asian immigration, transforming the demographics and socioeconomic profile of the community.

Unlike earlier Punjabi immigrants who primarily worked in agriculture and manual labor, the post-1965 wave consisted largely of doctors, engineers, scientists, and other professionals. This "brain drain" from South Asia significantly contributed to American technological and medical advancement while creating a new, affluent South Asian American middle class.

The family reunification provisions allowed these professionals to sponsor relatives, leading to chain migration that brought diverse segments of South Asian society to America. By the 1980s and 1990s, the community had grown exponentially, establishing temples, cultural centers, and businesses across the country.

This Act fundamentally reshaped the Punjabi and broader South Asian presence in America, creating the vibrant, diverse communities we see today. The contrast between pre-1965 agricultural workers and post-1965 professionals highlights the dramatic transformation of immigration patterns and community composition.