Immigration 101
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 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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Birthright Citizenship in the United States
- Birthright Citizenship
- July 9, 2026
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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The Trump administration makes it harder for unaccompanied children to navigate the immigration courts by attacking their right to counsel
A large federal contract that had funded the nonprofit legal organizations representing more than 20,000 unaccompanied immigrant children expired on July 31. The end of the contract impacts a nationwide network of nearly 100 legal service providers that help migrant children navigate one of the… Read More
Temporary Protected Status (TPS): 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. Read More
Unpacking Myths About Noncitizen Voting — How Heritage Foundation’s Own Data Still Proves It’s Not the Problem It’s Made Out to Be
For more than a decade, some politicians have called for substantial changes to how Americans vote in federal elections, including strict voter ID and additional citizenship screening during voter registration, based on claims of noncitizen voting. President Donald Trump has demanded that Congress pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility… Read More
Undocumented Students in U.S. Higher Education
This fact sheet looks at the population of undocumented students in higher education institutions across the country. Read More
Council and Partners File FOIA Request for Records of Guidance from ICE to Local Law Enforcement about Releasing Records under State Laws
A new FOIA request seeks records revealing how ICE advises local law enforcement agencies on disclosing records under state public information and transparency laws. Read More
What State Lawmakers Can Do to Protect Immigrants: Privacy, Public Safety, and Detention Reform
Written by Alimatou Sarr, State & Local and Policy Intern From Maryland to Utah, state legislators have an important role to play in shaping how local immigrant communities are impacted by federal immigration policies. Many state leaders have met emerging issues head on to… Read More
FIFA World Cup 2026: Americans Welcomed the World Despite Restrictive Immigration Policies
After more than 100 games across 16 host cities and countless memorable moments, the 2026 FIFA World Cup ends on July 19 with Spain and Argentina meeting in the final. In the lead up to the tournament, the Trump administration’s immigration policies gave cause for real concern: travel… 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
Federal Court Delivers Major Blow to Trump Detention Policy of Jailing Immigrants With No Hearing, No Explanation
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 3, 2026 — On July 2, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled that people facing immigration detention have the right to meaningful due process protections and must be afforded a bond hearing within 90 days. The decision deals a major blow to… Read More
Birthright Citizenship: The 14th Amendment Lives On
Thanks to the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, Team USA has made it to the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. Team USA’s leading scorer, Folarin Balogun, was born in July 2001 to a Nigerian British mother who happened to be visiting New York City when she… Read More
America's story is an immigrant story.
