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…

Birthright Citizenship in the United States

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

Asylum in the United States

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

Statement for the House Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security on “Another Surge of Illegal Immigrants Along the Southwest Border: Is this the Obama Administration’s New Normal?”

The statement shares our analysis and research regarding the children and families that have fled Central American violence to the United States. Read More

Statement for the Senate Judiciary Committee on “Oversight of the Administration’s Misdirected Immigration Enforcement Policies: Examining the Impact on Public Safety and Honoring the Victims”

The statement highlights that immigrants are less likely to be serious criminals than the native-born and that high rates of immigration are associated with lower rates of violent crimes and property crimes. Read More

Statement for the Senate Homeland and Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on “The 2014 Humanitarian Crisis at our Border: A Review of the Government’s Response to Unaccompanied Minors One Year Later”

The statement highlights our revised report, A Guide to Children Arriving at the Border: Laws, Policies and Responses (June 2015), which explains why children are fleeing their homes in Central America, what happens to the children once they are in U.S. custody, and what the government has done in response. Read More

Statement for the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on “Ongoing Migration from Central America: An Examination of FY2015 Apprehensions”

The statement shares our research and analysis regarding the children and families that have fled Central American violence to the United States. Read More