Immigration 101

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

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

This fact sheet explains birthright citizenship, the Fourteenth Amendment, and its interpretations. Who is…

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Asylum in the United States

Asylum seekers must navigate a difficult and complex process that can involve multiple government…

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Biden Took 3 More Executive Actions on Immigration. Did He Go Far Enough?

Biden Took 3 More Executive Actions on Immigration. Did He Go Far Enough?

On February 2, 2021, following the confirmation of Alejandro Mayorkas as secretary of Homeland Security, President Biden signed three executive orders that take steps to further unwind the Trump administration’s restrictions on immigration. The actions build on Biden’s first round of immigration changes, which he signed… Read More

No Need to Wait for Congress to Begin Using Humanizing Language in the Immigration Space

No Need to Wait for Congress to Begin Using Humanizing Language in the Immigration Space

The Biden administration’s immigration reform bill will have a provision that seeks to replace the term “alien” with “noncitizen” in immigration law. The term “alien” in the Immigration and Nationality Act refers to any person who is not a citizen or national of the United States. It dates back… Read More

Immigrants Appear for Their Court Hearings, New Data Shows

Immigrants Appear for Their Court Hearings, New Data Shows

Do most immigrants show up for their immigration court hearings? A new report released by the American Immigration Council reveals that the answer to this question is a clear “Yes.” As the Biden administration begins its overhaul of the immigration enforcement system, we must ensure that our policies… Read More

Biden Took Eight Administrative Actions on Immigration. Here’s What You Need to Know.

Biden Took Eight Administrative Actions on Immigration. Here’s What You Need to Know.

On his first day in office, President Biden took significant steps towards undoing the harm of the Trump administration’s immigration policies—and reforming our punitive and inhumane enforcement system. In response to years of work by immigrants and advocates, Biden quickly signed a series of executive actions related to immigration. Here… Read More

The “Migrant Protection Protocols”: an Explanation of the Remain in Mexico Program

The “Migrant Protection Protocols”: an Explanation of the Remain in Mexico Program

Under the “Migrant Protection Protocols”, individuals who arrive at the southern border and ask for asylum (either at a port of entry or after crossing the border between ports of entry) are given notices to appear in immigration court and sent back to Mexico. Read More

Why Biden's Immigration Bill Is the Boldest in Decades

Why Biden’s Immigration Bill Is the Boldest in Decades

During his campaign, President Biden promised that immigration reform would be one of his top priorities upon taking office. After unveiling the summary of a sweeping immigration reform bill on Inauguration Day, the Biden administration appears to have kept that promise. If passed, the bill will provide a pathway… Read More

The Biden Administration and Congress Must Guarantee Legal Representation for People Facing Removal

The Biden Administration and Congress Must Guarantee Legal Representation for People Facing Removal

The Biden administration should take steps immediately upon entering office to expand federally funded legal representation programs for people facing removal. Here's why. Read More

Trump’s Presidency Begins and Ends With Demonizing Immigrants

Trump’s Presidency Begins and Ends With Demonizing Immigrants

Five years ago, Donald Trump descended an elevator and declared that Mexico was sending rapists and “bringing crime” across the border. Now, while America still reels from the deadly insurrectionist attack on the Capitol building, Trump is set to travel to Texas on January 12 to boast about the… Read More

How Biden Can Restore Humanitarian Protection at the Border

How Biden Can Restore Humanitarian Protection at the Border

This article is part of the Moving Forward on Immigration series that explores the future of immigration in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election.  The United States has long been a place of refuge for those seeking protection. At least one million people have arrived at our southern border… Read More

How Biden Can Reform Immigration Enforcement and Detention

How Biden Can Reform Immigration Enforcement and Detention

This article is part of the Moving Forward on Immigration series that explores the future of immigration in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election.  When the Biden administration takes office on January 20, it will have both the opportunity and responsibility to begin the difficult work of reforming immigration… Read More

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