Research and Analysis

Sanctuary Policies: An Overview
Sanctuary policies do not conceal or shelter unauthorized immigrants from detection. Here's what you need to know about these policies. Read More

Expedited Removal Explainer
Expedited removal is a process by which low-level immigration officers can quickly deport certain noncitizens who are undocumented or have committed fraud or misrepresentation. Read More

The “Mass Influx” Declaration
In 1996, Congress passed a law giving the federal government the power to declare an emergency relating to a “mass influx” of migrants. When this emergency provision is enacted, the government can both disburse funding to states and localities dealing with the “influx” and delegate authority to local… Read More

After Day One: A High-Level Analysis of Trump’s First Executive Actions
On the first day of his second term, President Trump issued ten executive orders aimed at overhauling U.S. immigration law and policy, impacting nearly every aspect of the system; this factsheet analyzes these actions. Read More

2024 End-of-Year Impact Report
The American Immigration Council had an impactful year in 2024. As we prepare for 2025, we reaffirm our commitment to immigrant communities. Read More

Documented Dreamers: An Overview
This fact sheet provides an overview of Documented Dreamers, explains how they can age out of immigration status at 21, and summarizes the current federal legislative proposals to protect them from deportation. Read More

The Expanding Role of H-2B Workers in the United States
Congress established the H-2 visa program in 1952 to allow U.S. businesses to directly hire seasonal foreign guest workers when American workers were not available, with the aim of “alleviating labor shortages … particularly in periods of intense production.” During the Reagan Administration, Congress created… Read More

Debunking the Myth of Immigrants and Crime
Using Uniform Crime Reporting data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and population data from the U. S. Census Bureau, the Council created a report on the relationship between immigrants and crime. Read More

Birthright Citizenship in the United States
This fact sheet explains birthright citizenship, the Fourteenth Amendment, and its interpretations. Who is eligible for birthright citizenship? Can birthright citizenship be taken away? Read More

Building Community and Fueling Growth: The Role of Immigrants in Reviving the Great Lakes Region
“Building Community and Fueling Growth: The Role of Immigrants in Reviving the Great Lakes Region” was written in partnership with the American Immigration Council (AIC) and is an in-depth analysis of the many ways immigrant talent and resilience are essential for regional recovery, long-term economic growth, and thriving communities across the Great Lakes region. Read More
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