History of Immigration
Immigration policies, laws, and attitudes toward immigrants have evolved in the U.S. Our system has continued to adapt over time, responding to changing global dynamics, economic needs, and political pressure. By learning from our immigrant past, we can apply the lessons learned to help shape how we treat immigration and immigrants in the future.
Trump’s Derogatory Comments Revive Racist Legacy in Immigration Policy
Media outlets around the globe reported on President Trump’s disparaging comments regarding nationals of certain countries. According to the Washington Post, during a discussion with lawmakers in the White House regarding protections for immigrants from Haiti, El Salvador, and African countries on Thursday, the president asked “Why are we… Read More
How Criminalizing Communities of Color Has Driven the Anti-Immigrant Narrative
In recent weeks, the Trump administration has ended the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, taken away Temporary Protected Status for Salvadorans in the United States, and staged raids of 7-Elevens around the country to crack down on undocumented workers and their employers. In short, President Trump is living… Read More
The Military’s Strategic and Recruitment Goals Fail When Immigrants Can’t Serve
The United States Armed Forces has long valued the contributions of immigrants—from the War of 1812 to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, U.S.-born and immigrant soldiers have fought alongside one another with no concern for nationality or immigration status. Yet, within the first several months of the Trump… Read More
The White House Has Slashed Refugee Admissions to Record Lows
The White House announced late last week that for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018, beginning Oct. 1, 2017, the United States will only admit a maximum number of 45,000 refugees. This represents the lowest refugee admissions ceiling ever set by the U.S. government, despite record numbers of forced… Read More
Where Do You Find the Most Resistance to Immigration?
Conventional thinking may lead some to believe that those communities that fight the hardest against immigration are the ones receiving the greatest influx of foreign newcomers. If people are wary of the changes immigrants are bringing to their communities, they would naturally seem to be the most vocal in… Read More
Pentagon May Deport Immigrants Who Have Served in the Military
The Pentagon is considering halting a program that allows immigrants with urgently needed skills to serve in the military, putting the thousands of soldiers promised expedited citizenship in exchange for their service at risk for deportation. According to an undated Defense Department memo, the Pentagon may terminate the Military… Read More
This Year’s Celebrate America Creative Writing Contest Winning Entry
The American Immigration Council is proud to announce the winner of the 20th Annual Celebrate America Fifth Grade Creative Writing Contest. This contest encourages educators to incorporate lessons on U.S. immigration into their classrooms and gives fifth graders the opportunity to explain, in their own words, why they are proud… Read More
What Was the U.S. Government’s Last Experience With a Muslim Registry?
Along the campaign trail, then-candidate Donald Trump promised a special registry and database tracking system for Muslims in the United States. Although his spokesperson later claimed that he “never advocated for any registry or system that tracks individuals based on their religion,” President-Elect Trump is currently being advised… Read More
Thanksgiving Dinner Conversations Could Be Tough, But Are More Important Than Ever This Year
Let’s be honest. This is not the Thanksgiving blog we thought I’d be writing this year. But here we are. Read More
The Ideological Roots of Donald Trump’s Immigration Team
As President-Elect Donald Trump names his choices for key positions in his administration, it is clear that he intends to include quite a few people who subscribe to fringe, alt-right, racist ideologies. For example, Steve Bannon, named as Chief Strategist, is known for his white nationalist views and… Read More
America's story is an immigrant story.
