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.

Recent Features

Why Don’t Immigrants Apply for Citizenship?

There is no line available for undocumented immigrants and the “regular channels” do not include them.

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Temporary Protected Status: An Overview

This fact sheet provides an overview of how Temporary Protected Status designations are made, what benefits TPS confers, and how TPS beneficiaries apply for and regularly renew their status.

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How the United States Immigration System Works

U.S. immigration law is very complex. Here's basic information about how the U.S. legal immigration system is designed.

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All Immigration 101 Content

  • Blog

Hillary Clinton Presidential Campaign Launch Offers No Insight on Immigration Views

April 13, 2015

Hillary Clinton officially declared on Sunday that she will seek the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination for a second time. The announcement was made through a video where Clinton said, “...

  • Blog

Four Things We Know About Rand Paul’s Immigration Policy Views

April 9, 2015

Senator Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) has entered the 2016 presidential race with the campaign slogan “defeat the Washington machine.” Yet his views and past legislative actions on immigration show that...

  • Blog

Presidential Candidates Offer Vastly Different Visions on Immigration Policy

November 7, 2016

After more than a year of intense campaigning, election-day is finally here. The two major party candidates have offered two completely different visions for America and the direction they would...

  • Blog

New Census Numbers Underscore Importance of Immigration

November 4, 2016

There is no denying that the number of foreign-born individuals in the United States has increased in recent years. According to the Pew Research Center, the foreign-born population rose from 39.9...

  • Fact Sheet

The Three- and Ten-Year Bars

Publication Date: 
October 28, 2016
This Fact Sheet provides background on the three- and ten-year bars and waivers, and explains the recent regulatory changes.
  • Fact Sheet

Public Education for Immigrant Students: Understanding Plyler v. Doe

Publication Date: 
October 24, 2016
This fact sheet provides an overview of the Supreme Court’s decision in Plyler v. Doe and subsequent efforts by states and localities to avoid compliance with the decision.
  • Blog

What We Learned About the Candidates’ Immigration Views in the Final Debate

October 20, 2016

The 2016 presidential debate cycle is now complete and little was said on the topic of immigration until the final one. Not surprisingly, no new information came to light.  In fact, each of the...

  • Blog

Sensible Immigration Policies Enhance U.S. National Security

October 13, 2016

Putting down a welcome mat for immigrants—rather than building a wall—ultimately makes the United States a more secure nation. Of course, measures that ensure we keep those out who represent a...

  • Blog

How the Vice Presidential Candidates Responded to Immigration Issues at the Debate

October 5, 2016

During last night’s vice presidential debate, candidates U.S. Senator Tim Kaine and Indiana Governor Mike Pence engaged in a heated exchange on immigration. Kaine reiterated his running mate...

  • Blog

Investing in the Children of Immigrants is Critical for American Economy

September 26, 2016
In an aging society such as ours, immigrants and their children are an integral part of our economic future.
  • Press Release

NAS Report Finds Immigration a Win for the U.S. Economy

September 21, 2016
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NAS) immigration report takes a comprehensive look at the fiscal and economic impact of immigration.
  • Blog

Immigration Policy Fifteen Years After 9/11

September 12, 2016

Fifteen years ago on September 11, 2001, it appeared that comprehensive immigration reform was imminent. The prior week, President Vicente Fox of Mexico visited the U.S. and spoke to President...

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