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 24, 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
- September 8, 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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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
Fifth Circuit Hears Major Case Over Right to Challenge Immigration Detention
Case will determine whether longtime U.S. residents can be detained without a meaningful opportunity to ask a judge for release NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana, Sept. 24 2026 — On Thursday, September 24, the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit heard arguments in a major case… 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
What Are Third-Country Removals? Understanding Their Use In U.S. Immigration Policy
Third-country deportation and third-country removal are terms used to refer to any case in which the government sends someone to a country that is not the country in which they lived prior to arriving in the United States, nor to a country of which they are a citizen or… Read More
New BIA Ruling on Advance Parole Narrows Legal Immigration Options for DACA Recipients and Others
The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) has overturned a 14-year-old precedential decision, limiting an important pathway to permanent residence for certain long-residing noncitizens, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. For years, “advance parole” has allowed some undocumented noncitizens—who previously entered the United States without authorization—to… Read More
Public Education for Noncitizen Students: Understanding Plyler v. Doe
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. Read More
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
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
America's story is an immigrant story.
