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 23, 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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While Federal Firings Focus on Immigration Processing, Funding for Immigration Enforcement Expands
In recent weeks, significant personnel reductions throughout the federal government made in the name of eliminating “waste” have caused concerns about the government’s ability to continue providing timely services. Agencies that provide immigration-related services have not been spared from these cuts, including those within the Department of Homeland Security… Read More
Texas Dream Act: Protecting Undocumented Students’ Access to Higher Education Is Economic, Educational Imperative
In 2001, Texas set a precedent by enacting House Bill 1403, commonly known as the Texas Dream Act, which grants eligible undocumented students access to in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities. This landmark legislation—the first of its kind in the nation—has… Read More
The Number of Immigrants in the US Increases Yearly – And That’s a Good Thing
By Karen Aho, Robin Lundh, and Anna Shepperson This year, as the Trump administration ramps up efforts to deport millions of immigrants, it’s important to understand the contributions that immigrants make to our economy and social wellbeing. The American Immigration Council’s annual analysis of the American Community Survey, which… Read More
Trump’s Registration Requirement Means Fear, Uncertainty for Millions of Americans
The Trump administration announced a policy that will require many Americans to always carry identification documents with them to prove they are not deportable. Read More
The Trump Administration’s Registration Requirement for Immigrants
In this factsheet, the American Immigration Council analyzes the Trump Administration’s Registration Requirement for Immigrants. Read More
H.R. 32 Would Empower President to Cut Essential Services in States and Cities
Efforts to penalize so-called “sanctuary cities” are back. On his first day back in office, President Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice (DOJ) to explore denying federal funds to “sanctuary” jurisdictions and pursue… Read More
New Data: Immigrants Keep Economy Strong, As Congress Considers Wasting Billions on Mass Deportation
New data shows how immigrants are contributing billions of dollars to the U.S. economy, even as the Trump administration and Congress are pushing for unprecedented funding for mass deportation. Read More
GOP Budget Reconciliation Plan —Cutting Essential Programs To Supercharge Deportations
Early Friday morning, the Senate is expected to begin the process for passing a budget reconciliation bill, a somewhat obscure Congressional procedure which allows a funding bill to pass both houses of Congress with only a simple majority threshold — avoiding a 60-vote filibuster obstacle in the Senate. The… Read More
Breaking Down Trump’s Attempt to End Birthright Citizenship
By Laila Khan and Raul Pinto On his first day in office, President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for babies of undocumented immigrants and for people with temporary status in the U.S. Executive Order 14156: Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship… Read More
Trump’s Day 1 Orders Use Fearmongering to Expand His Immigration Authority
On January 20, 2025, the day President Trump took office for his second term, he issued a series of immigration-related executive orders and proclamations that will quickly re-shape the U.S. immigration system. These executive orders affect nearly every facet of a complex and demanding system. Most of the policy… Read More
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