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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What Project 2025 Says About Immigration
The American Immigration Council does not endorse or oppose candidates for elected office. We aim to provide analysis regarding the implications of the election on the U.S. immigration system. What would a second Donald Trump presidency mean for immigrants? It’s often hard to answer these questions using politicians’ own words… Read More
Unpacking Myths About Noncitizen Voting — How Heritage Foundation’s Own Data Proves It’s Not a Problem
Over the last decade, many politicians have called for overhauling the United States’ election systems by mandating strict voter ID for both registering to vote and actual voting. Many have justified this stance by either claiming the U.S. election system is vulnerable to fraud, or that fraud is already a… Read More
Houston Celebrates Over 2,200 New Citizens in Historic Naturalization Ceremony
Naturalization is viewed by many as the end point of an immigrant’s journey—the finish line—and for good reason. The path to naturalization can take many years and requires immigrants to navigate a complicated, costly process and overcome multiple hurdles. But becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen brings significant benefits to individuals… Read More
Kamala Harris’ Opportunity to Reframe the Immigration Conversation
The American Immigration Council does not endorse or oppose candidates for elected office. We aim to provide analysis regarding the implications of the election on the U.S. immigration system. As the country continues to dissect the ramifications from President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the presidential race, the… Read More
Why Are Border Crossings at Their Lowest Level in Four Years?
Border crossings are at their lowest in four years. Is the Biden administration’s executive action working as intended—or is there another factor at play? Apprehensions at the U.S.-Mexico border spiked to a record 250,000 in December 2023, but they’ve been falling since then. Beginning in January 2024, a crackdown by… Read More
Immigrants Are Key to Filling US Labor Shortages, New Data Finds
Almost one in every seven people in the United States is an immigrant, according to the American Immigration Council’s new analysis of the 2022 American Community Survey. The updated state-level data from the Council’s Map the Impact tool reveals how immigrants—including those who are undocumented—make crucial contributions through… Read More
Border Patrol’s 100th Anniversary Offers Chance to Look Back at Its Disturbing Origins
The U.S. Border Patrol turned 100 years old on May 28. Its troubled origins and history form the backdrop for contemporary concerns about the agency, including impunity for abuses against migrants and citizens alike. The Border Patrol’s centennial provides an opportunity to shed light on the agency’s lack of accountability… Read More
Are More Undocumented Immigrants Living in the US Now? Here’s What the Numbers Say
According to a new report from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, about 11.0 million undocumented immigrants were living in the United States in 2022—a 4.6% increase from 2020. This is still a 5.2% drop from the recent high of 11.6 million in 2010. The report from the Office… Read More
Biden’s New Changes to the Asylum Process: What You Need to Know
On June 4, President Biden issued a sweeping order under section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act claiming that allows him to “suspend the entry” of most migrants who cross the border between ports of entry, echoing a similar order issued by President Trump in November… Read More
An American Immigration Council Analysis of the President’s 212(f) Proclamation and Interim Final Rule Restricting Asylum
On June 4, the Biden administration issued a presidential proclamation and an Interim Final Rule restricting access to asylum for people crossing into the United States without legal status. The Council analyzes this new Proclamation and Interim Final Rule Restricting Asylum in this factsheet. Read More
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