Immigration 101
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.
Senate Hearing on Border Security Targets Transnational Crime
At a hearing of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, which was titled “Securing the Border: Assessing the Impact of Transnational Crime,” lawmakers from both sides of the aisle were largely in agreement as to what the biggest security problem is along the northern and southern… Read More
How Immigrant Women Contribute to the U.S. Economy
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, it is worthwhile to keep in mind the depth and breadth of the contributions that immigrant women workers make to the U.S. economy. More and more, immigrant women are coming to the United States not as the dependent relatives of immigrant men,… Read More
Potential Presidential Candidates Fail to Offer Immigration Solutions at CPAC
Most Americans want immigration reform. President Obama’s executive actions took temporary steps to provide relief for millions of undocumented immigrants who have spent years here, but it is up to Congress to pass legislation that would comprehensively improve the immigration system. According to a February poll from Public Religion… Read More
Setting the Record Straight on Immigrant Work Authorization
The anti-immigrant Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) issued a report last week alleging a “huge parallel immigrant work authorization system outside the bounds of the laws.” Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) seized upon it to demand a “full investigation.” Yet the issuance of work permits is not new, huge,… Read More
Six Reasons Why Sen. Jeff Sessions’ ‘Immigration Handbook’ is a Work of Fiction
The chairman of the Senate Immigration Subcommittee, Jeff Sessions (R-AL), wasted no time in advertising his antipathy towards immigrants. Shortly after assuming his post, Sessions released an “Immigration Handbook for the New Republican Majority” that, in only 23 pages, managed to distill just about every fact-free sound bite ever conceived… Read More
The Cost of Citizenship is a Barrier for Some Immigrants
Of the 13.3 million legal permanent residents (LPRs) in the United States, 8.8 million are currently eligible for citizenship. Many, however, are not making the leap from legal permanent resident status to citizen. The number of those naturalizing has been less than 800,000 for the past five consecutive years,… Read More
Immigration Council Strongly Reaffirms Research on Reagan-Bush Family Fairness Policy
Washington D.C. – This week, the Washington Post issued another editorial in its campaign against President Obama’s decision to authorize temporary deportation relief for several million undocumented parents of U.S citizen children. In particular, the Post argues that there is no historical precedent for President Obama’s action, discounting the parallel… Read More
Talking Turkey—and all the Trimmings—on Immigration in 2014
My daughter, who is now in high school, casually mentioned to me that she had been talking to the receptionist in the school counselor’s office about the new deferred action program for parents of U.S. citizens and kids. She told the receptionist that this represents a great community service opportunity for high school kids who can babysit for the parents who will be filling out applications at the many legal clinics that would soon open up. This discussion of community service led to a broader conversation about why people come to America and that most of us, at some time or other, were immigrants. The African-American receptionist pointed out that not everyone came willingly, but she agreed with my daughter that everyone deserved a chance to improve their life in this country. Read More
Some Schools Need Reminding of their Obligation to Educate All Children
In the past year, more than 50,000 children have fled violence and persecution from Central America and Mexico and have crossed into the U.S. seeking protection. Most of them have been reunited with family members in America as they await their immigration court dates. In the meantime, our laws… Read More
After Election, Attention Turns to President Obama’s Immigration Plans
After last night’s midterm elections, Republicans will control both the House and Senate for the last two years of President Obama’s administration. The GOP won Senate seats in at least seven states to give them a majority, and the party held onto its control of the House. That Republicans… Read More
All gifts are matched dollar for dollar
No one should face the immigration system alone
