1980-1989 (Hispanic/Latino)
1980
Cuban Flight

Around 125,000 Cubans flee to the US, when Castro temporarily lifted restrictions.

1986
Immigration Reform and Control Act Approved

Congress approves the Immigration Reform and Control Act legalizing some undocumented workers from Central and South America, and other countries, setting guidelines and sanctions for employers hiring undocumented aliens.

1988
Lauro Cavazos

President Ronald Reagan appoints Lauro Cavazos as Secretary of Education, the first Latino appointed to a U.S. presidential cabinet.

1989
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, of Florida, becomes the first Latina to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.