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 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…
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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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Temporary Protected Status: What’s Up With That?
On October 17, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that Secretary Mayorkas was designating the country of Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Through this designation, DHS expects that as many as 11,000 Lebanese individuals currently in the country will be eligible to apply for a potentially renewable… Read More
The Origins of Birthright Citizenship in the United States, Explained
For over a century, the United States has applied the principle of jus soli, or birthplace-based citizenship, to grant American citizenship to anyone born on U.S. territory regardless of their parent’s immigration status. But over the past few decades, anti-immigrant politicians have advocated for the restriction of birthplace-based citizenship to… Read More
Immigrants Do Not Commit More Crimes in the US, Despite Fearmongering
Written by Yared Avalos Iniguez, Communications Intern and Hannah Boyke, Research Intern Across… 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
NEW REPORT: Immigrants are Fueling Economic Growth, Revitalizing Communities in Great Lakes States
A new report describes how immigrants are key to the economic success and future viability of communities across the Great Lakes region. Read More
FEMA’s Role in Migrant Assistance: Exploring the Shelter and Services Program
When local communities receive new immigrants who have been released at the border by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), they often provide necessary support to ensure that people have their immediate and short-term emergency needs (such as food and temporary shelter) met. Over the last decade, as large numbers… Read More
What is Tim Walz’s Record on Immigration?
While immigration remains a top issue for the nation as a whole, for years Minnesota has taken an active role in integrating and supporting immigrants throughout the state. Governor Tim Walz’s record demonstrates a commitment to novel and inclusive immigration policies at the state level. Immigrants in Minnesota Minnesota has… Read More
Council and BAJI Highlight Their Efforts on Government Transparency to Audience in South Africa
This past week, the Council, alongside the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI), had the privilege to present the report the organizations co-authored on U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) deployment during protests demanding racial justice after the murder of George Floyd at the Sixth World Conference on Remedies… Read More
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