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.
Statement from NAE Executive Director Jeremy Robbins on Immigration Provisions of House Reconciliation Bill
“The House reconciliation bill would take many important steps to make our broken immigration system more fair, more efficient, and a better driver of economic growth, including a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, essential workers, and TPS and DED holders, along with important provisions to recapture unused visas and… Read More
California Law Would Prevent Transfers From Local Law Enforcement to ICE Custody
Proposed legislation in California that would further limit the state’s involvement in immigration detention has made progress toward becoming law. The VISION Act would prevent transfers to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody of people who are released from state or local custody. The bill passed the state assembly… Read More
President Biden is Overseeing a Historic Decline in Legal Immigration
The Biden administration predicts that it will fail to issue many of the legal permanent resident visas—also known as green cards—allotted this year for immigrants who have been sponsored by a U.S. employer or family member. The State Department estimates that roughly 100,000 visas for employment-based immigrants and 150,000… Read More
Felony Reentry Immigration Law Is Unconstitutional Due to Racist Origins, Judge Rules
A federal judge ruled for the first time in U.S. history that a provision of U.S. immigration law which makes it a felony for someone to reenter the United States after having been deported is unconstitutional because of its racist origins. Since 1929, U.S. immigration law has made it… Read More
Diversity Visa Lottery Winners Might Lose Chance to Come to the U.S. Due to Delays, Trump Policies
For the second year in a row, many winners of the diversity visa lottery face the prospect of losing their chance to come to the United States because the federal government can’t—or won’t—issue their visas in time. The 2020 lottery winners are still suffering the effects of restrictive Trump-era policies. Read More
People of Color Made Up All of the United States’ Population Growth in the Last 10 Years
Demographers have known for decades that the United States is well on its way to becoming a predominantly multi-racial and multi-ethnic society. New data from the 2020 Census reveals how rapidly that transformation is taking place. Increasing numbers of people identify racially as either Asian or multi-racial. Growing numbers… Read More
America’s Ending in Afghanistan Must Ensure Safe Passage for Our Afghan Allies
Across centuries, Afghanistan has been a nation unconquerable. From the conquest of Alexander the Great to the United States military, insurgent forces have beat back the offensive from some of the world’s most powerful armies. Though the context may have been different across each of these historical periods, the most… Read More
Statement from NAE Executive Director on Senate’s Budget Resolution
Following Senate Democrats unveiling their budget framework, New American Economy issued the following statement: “Throughout the course of the pandemic, Dreamers, TPS holders, farm workers and other essential workers have been a lifeline — caring for the sick, keeping our food supply chain in tact, and taking on… Read More
The New CBP One App May Put Immigrants and Travelers’ Privacy at Risk
It is unquestionable that technology creates efficiencies. But efficiency should not come at the total expense of privacy. A new app from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) toes that line between productivity and the need for users’ privacy. In October 2020, CBP launched a new mobile application to help… Read More
Statement from New American Economy on the Confirmation of Ur Jaddou
Following the confirmation of Ur Jaddou as director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, New American Economy issued the following statement: “NAE applauds the confirmation this week of Ur Jaddou to lead the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services at a pivotal moment,” said Jeremy Robbins,… Read More
All gifts are matched dollar for dollar
No one should face the immigration system alone