How the Immigration System Works
The U.S. immigration system operates under an intricate set of rules that outline who can enter, reside in, and become a citizen of the United States. It includes various pathways like family-based immigration, employment visas, and refugee and asylum status, each with its own criteria and application processes. Several federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department, oversee the system and enforce immigration laws and policies, handle applications, and manage border control. Learn more by exploring the resources below.
How the United States Immigration System Works
- How the Immigration System Works
- June 23, 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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While Federal Firings Focus on Immigration Processing, Funding for Immigration Enforcement Expands
In recent weeks, significant personnel reductions throughout the federal government made in the name of eliminating “waste” have caused concerns about the government’s ability to continue providing timely services. Agencies that provide immigration-related services have not been spared from these cuts, including those within the Department of Homeland Security… Read More
The Trump Administration’s Registration Requirement for Immigrants
In this factsheet, the American Immigration Council analyzes the Trump Administration’s Registration Requirement for Immigrants. Read More
GOP Budget Reconciliation Plan —Cutting Essential Programs To Supercharge Deportations
Early Friday morning, the Senate is expected to begin the process for passing a budget reconciliation bill, a somewhat obscure Congressional procedure which allows a funding bill to pass both houses of Congress with only a simple majority threshold — avoiding a 60-vote filibuster obstacle in the Senate. The… Read More
A Young US Citizen’s Long Legal Road Back Home
Across the country, deportation is often discussed as an absolute end. Many politicians run on a platform of stoking fear on immigration, with deportation being the punishment and means to remove millions in the United States. Even at the community level, advocates fighting against a deportation will often simply… Read More
Documented Dreamers: An Overview
This fact sheet provides an overview of Documented Dreamers, explains how they can age out of immigration status at 21, and summarizes the current federal legislative proposals to protect them from deportation. 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
Unpacking Myths About Noncitizen Voting — How Heritage Foundation’s Own Data Proves It’s Not a Problem
Over the last decade, many politicians have called for overhauling the United States’ election systems by mandating strict voter ID for both registering to vote and actual voting. Many have justified this stance by either claiming the U.S. election system is vulnerable to fraud, or that fraud is already… Read More
Houston Celebrates Over 2,200 New Citizens in Historic Naturalization Ceremony
Naturalization is viewed by many as the end point of an immigrant’s journey—the finish line—and for good reason. The path to naturalization can take many years and requires immigrants to navigate a complicated, costly process and overcome multiple hurdles. But becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen brings significant benefits to individuals… Read More
Biden’s New Changes to the Asylum Process: What You Need to Know
On June 4, President Biden issued a sweeping order under section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act claiming that allows him to “suspend the entry” of most migrants who cross the border between ports of entry, echoing a similar order issued by President Trump in November… Read More
An American Immigration Council Analysis of the President’s 212(f) Proclamation and Interim Final Rule Restricting Asylum
On June 4, the Biden administration issued a presidential proclamation and an Interim Final Rule restricting access to asylum for people crossing into the United States without legal status. The Council analyzes this new Proclamation and Interim Final Rule Restricting Asylum in this factsheet. Read More
America's story is an immigrant story.
