Immigration 101
How the United States Immigration System Works
- How the Immigration System Works
- June 24, 2024
U.S. immigration law is very complex, and there is much confusion as to how it works. This fact sheet provides basic information…
Read MoreBirthright Citizenship in the United States
- Birthright Citizenship
- October 16, 2024
This fact sheet explains birthright citizenship, the Fourteenth Amendment, and its interpretations. Who is…
Read MoreAsylum 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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Legalization Through 245(i)
This fact sheet from the Council provides an overview of how current immigration law allows certain undocumented immigrants to become Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) without first having to leave the United States. Read More

Council Urges Biden Administration to Ensure All Immigrant Visas are Processed
The Council led a letter urging the Biden administration to ensure that all immigrant visas are processed up to the numerical limits by September 30, 2021 to avoid the loss of visas and further increase to the backlog. Read More

Statement for the House Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee on “How Outdated U.S. Immigration Policies Push Top Talent to Other Countries”
This written statement submitted by the Council to Congress shares our analysis of the archaic U.S. immigration policies which are making the United States a less attractive destination for highly skilled workers from other countries. Read More

Council and Broad Coalition Urge Department of Homeland Security to Withdraw Records Destruction Plans
In this letter, the Council and a diverse coalition call on the Biden administration to stop and reevaluate plans to destroy immigration agency records documenting abuse and misconduct. Read More

The “Migrant Protection Protocols”: an Explanation of the Remain in Mexico Program
Under the “Migrant Protection Protocols”, individuals who arrive at the southern border and ask for asylum (either at a port of entry or after crossing the border between ports of entry) are given notices to appear in immigration court and sent back to Mexico. Read More

The Biden Administration and Congress Must Guarantee Legal Representation for People Facing Removal
The Biden administration should take steps immediately upon entering office to expand federally funded legal representation programs for people facing removal. Here's why. Read More

Comment on CBP Proposed Rule To Drastically Expand the Use of Facial Recognition Technology
The Proposed Rule would drastically expand the use of unproven facial recognition technology at ports of entry throughout the United States. Read More

The Difference Between Asylum and Withholding of Removal
This fact sheet provides an overview of withholding of removal, including the basics of seeking protection in the United States, eligibility requirements, the application process, and data on applicants. Read More

The Impact of COVID-19 on Noncitizens and Across the U.S. Immigration System
This report identifies disruptions throughout the immigration system because of the COVID-19 pandemic and makes recommendations for improvements to the federal government’s response. Read More

Why Don’t Immigrants Apply for Citizenship?
There is no line available for undocumented immigrants and the “regular channels” do not include them. Read More
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