Immigration 101
The U.S. immigration system is complex and can be difficult to understand. These resources provide key data points, historical information, and background on hot topics in immigration. Learn the basics about immigration. Immigration in the United States is complex and ever-evolving. Start here to understand the fundamental aspects of immigration policy, its history, and its impact on both individuals and the country at large. Learn commonly used terms about immigration law and how the U.S. immigration system is designed. Explore layered topics like how and whether immigrants can become citizens, as well as what individual protections look like under the law.
How the United States Immigration System Works
- How the Immigration System Works
- June 24, 2024
U.S. immigration law is very complex, and there is much confusion as to how it works. This fact sheet provides basic information…
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Birthright Citizenship in the United States
- Birthright Citizenship
- October 16, 2024
This fact sheet explains birthright citizenship, the Fourteenth Amendment, and its interpretations. Who is…
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Asylum in the United States
- Asylum
- August 27, 2014
Asylum seekers must navigate a difficult and complex process that can involve multiple government…
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States Continue to Lead on Inclusive Immigration Policies: A 2023 Midyear Review of State Legislative Sessions
With most state legislatures having adjourned for the year, states—once again—continue to lead the way for welcoming immigrants and refugees. The American Immigration Council tracked over 1,000 immigration-related bills during the 2023 state legislative session. With a few notable exceptions, most successful immigration bills this year aimed to make states… Read More
America Is Falling Behind in the Global Talent Competition
In June, the Canadian immigration minister announced a new initiative to attract high-tech talent to Canada — from the United States. The Tech Talent Strategy targets foreign-born workers who have come to the United States to study or work but who may have difficulty receiving or renewing U.S. work… Read More
Undocumented College Students
This fact sheet looks at the population of undocumented students in higher education institutions across the country. Read More
2023 ‘Celebrate America’ Creative Writing Contest Winner: 3
Written by 5th grade student Lillie Villezcas of Nevada 3 I am number 3, but how does number 3 apply to me? I am third generation of an immigrant family, third generation of fading traditions and lost nationalities, but I refuse to let that be me. My grandmother immigrated into… Read More
The Economic Contributions of Immigrants in Ohio’s Workforce
New research from the American Immigration Council, The Economic Contributions of Immigrants in Ohio’s Workforce, highlights the crucial and outsized role immigrants in Ohio are playing to help fill workforce shortages. Read More
Supreme Court Refuses to Narrow Criminal Grounds of Removability
In a split decision issued on June 22, the Supreme Court ruled against two noncitizens seeking to overturn agency findings that their state criminal convictions qualified as “aggravated felonies.” Under immigration law, an aggravated felony makes a noncitizen deportable. Their cases hinged on whether the definition of “obstruction of… Read More
Starting Anew
A record 100 million people around the globe were forced to flee their homes in 2022, up from 65 million in 2015. Of those displaced last year, 32.5 million were refugees who had to leave their country in fear of persecution due to their race, religion, nationality, political opinion or group membership. Read More
14 Percent of All Women in the U.S. Are Immigrants
Immigrants—many of whom are women—make up a significant portion of the U.S. population. In 2021, 23.2 million lived in the United States, outnumbering immigrant men, according to recent analysis of the 2021 American Community Survey. Immigrant women made up 14% of the country’s overall female population. While their work… Read More
Data Snapshot: Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States
Each May, the United States recognizes the influence and contributions of Asian and Pacific Islanders during AAPI Heritage Month. It also serves as a time to reflect on the many differences among AAPI individuals in this country. The 19.7 million Asians and Pacific Islanders living in the United States make… Read More
English-Only Education is on the Decline—But Arizona Holds Out
Written by Bella Wexler, Communications Fellow at the American Immigration Council. As of 2023, Arizona remains the only state with English-only education legislation still in effect. Its law—Proposition 203—exemplifies the ongoing impact of the American English-only education movement that poses obstacles to equitable education for English language learners (ELLs), especially… Read More
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