History of Immigration
Immigration policies, laws, and attitudes toward immigrants have evolved in the U.S. Our system has continued to adapt over time, responding to changing global dynamics, economic needs, and political pressure. By learning from our immigrant past, we can apply the lessons learned to help shape how we treat immigration and immigrants in the future.
This Citizenship Day Marred by Government’s Focus on Stripping People of Their Citizenship
Each year on September 17, America marks Citizenship Day, an annual opportunity to reflect on the benefits and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship. In years past, it was used as a day to celebrate new Americans and encourage others who are eligible to become U.S. citizens. However, this year is different,… Read More
John McCain’s Legacy on Immigration
The United States Senate and Republican Party lost one of their biggest champions for bipartisan immigration reform and most vocal critics of President Trump’s immigration policies when Senator John S. McCain III (R-AZ) passed away at the age of 81 last week. While McCain will largely be remembered for his… Read More
White House Residents Directly Benefit from America’s Generous Immigration System
America’s generosity is reflected in our immigration system. Throughout our nation’s history (with some shameful exceptions), we have allowed individuals to come to the United States to reunite with family members and offered safety and protection to those who need it most. Yet the Trump White House publicly opposes these… Read More
Celebrating Immigrant Heritage Month and Being Welcoming Is Good for You and Your Community
June is Immigrant Heritage Month, and given the shrill and often negative rhetoric we hear around immigration, it seems more important than ever to take time to appreciate our immigration history and what newcomers bring to our nation and our lives. Though our country’s roots can be largely… Read More
The End of Immigration Enforcement Priorities Under the Trump Administration
Enforcement of U.S. immigration laws has historically been guided by policies that emphasize prioritization. However, this practice has largely been abandoned since the inauguration of President Donald Trump. Read More
Removal of ‘Nation of Immigrants’ from USCIS Mission Ignores Agency’s Mandate and American History
Francis Cissna, Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), unveiled a new mission statement for the agency last week, notably deleting the words “a nation of immigrants” as well as other key principles central to the agency’s work. Given the sweeping changes underway in the enforcement… Read More
Immigrants Bring Home the Gold for the U.S. Olympics Team
From their meme-worthy Opening Ceremony gloves to some stunning wins on the halfpipe, Team USA has started the 2018 Winter Olympics off with a bang. Early victories in the Pyeongchang, South Korea games would not be possible without this entire group of 242 talented Americans—including the multiple athletes that… Read More
Trump’s Derogatory Comments Revive Racist Legacy in Immigration Policy
Media outlets around the globe reported on President Trump’s disparaging comments regarding nationals of certain countries. According to the Washington Post, during a discussion with lawmakers in the White House regarding protections for immigrants from Haiti, El Salvador, and African countries on Thursday, the president asked “Why are we… Read More
How Criminalizing Communities of Color Has Driven the Anti-Immigrant Narrative
In recent weeks, the Trump administration has ended the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, taken away Temporary Protected Status for Salvadorans in the United States, and staged raids of 7-Elevens around the country to crack down on undocumented workers and their employers. In short, President Trump is living… Read More
The Military’s Strategic and Recruitment Goals Fail When Immigrants Can’t Serve
The United States Armed Forces has long valued the contributions of immigrants—from the War of 1812 to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, U.S.-born and immigrant soldiers have fought alongside one another with no concern for nationality or immigration status. Yet, within the first several months of the Trump… Read More
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