Research and Analysis

Research and Analysis

The Council is a national leader in challenging the myths and misinformation that too often dominate the political and public debate around immigration.

  • Fact Sheet

Policies Affecting Asylum Seekers at the Border

This fact sheet explains the complicated interplay and application of protection and border processing policies.

  • Fact Sheet

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.

Most Recent Fact Sheets

  • Fact Sheet

The Difference Between Asylum and Withholding of Removal

October 6, 2020
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...
  • Fact Sheet

The Rules for Immigrants Wanting to Work in the United States on a Permanent Basis

April 6, 2020
This fact sheet defines the various components of the permanent, employment-based immigration system—and then describes how those components relate to each other in the application processes for each...
  • Fact Sheet

Immigration Detention in the United States by Agency

January 2, 2020
This fact sheet describes the populations, duration, and conditions for noncitizens detained in the United States by department.

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Most Recent Special Reports

  • Special Report

The Impact of COVID-19 on Noncitizens and Across the U.S. Immigration System

September 30, 2020
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.
  • Special Report

Changing Patterns of Interior Immigration Enforcement in the United States, 2016 -2018

July 1, 2019
To better understand the changing interior enforcement trends under the Trump administration, this report analyzes individual-level data on immigration enforcement outcomes.
  • Special Report

The Role of Contact and Values in Public Attitudes Toward Unauthorized Immigrants

April 30, 2019
This report uncovers the degree to which contact with immigrants and personal values are associated with views about unauthorized immigrants.

All Special Reports >>

Most Recent Advocacy

  • Comments

Comments Filed to Oppose Serious Flaws in Proposed Motion to Reopen Rule

December 28, 2020

The American Immigration Council and the American Immigration Lawyers Association filed comments to address the serious flaws in the Department of Justice's proposed changes to regulations...

  • Comments

Comment on CBP Proposed Rule To Drastically Expand the Use of Facial Recognition Technology

December 21, 2020
The Proposed Rule would drastically expand the use of unproven facial recognition technology at ports of entry throughout the United States.
  • Comments

Brief Comments Regarding DHS Proposed Rule on Employment Authorization for Certain Classes of Aliens With Final Orders of Removal, 85 Fed. Reg. 74,196 (November 19, 2020)

December 21, 2020
The American Immigration Council, the American Immigration Lawyers Association, and Immigrant Legal Defense submitted these comments relating to the Department of Homeland Security's proposed rule...

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