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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SCOTUS Rules Trump’s Attempt to End Birthright Citizenship Is Unconstitutional
The U.S. Supreme Court issued a crucial ruling today affirming that children born within the territory of the United States are U.S. citizens. The opinion, authored by Chief Justice Roberts and joined by Justices Kagan, Sotomayor, Barrett, and Jackson, invalidates the Trump administration’s Executive Order 14156, which sought to exclude certain children born in the United States… Read More
2026 ‘Celebrate America’ Creative Writing Contest Winner: A Classroom Full of the World
Written By: Aneri Kakrania, 5th grade student from San Diego, CaliforniaMy backpack felt bigger than me that day, Filled with pencils, hope, and words to say. The morning sun was warm and bright, As I walked to school in the golden light. My parents… Read More
World Cup Immigration Questions Answered: ICE, Visa Denials, and Iran
“We want to unite the world, and we will unite the world next year…So again, everyone will be welcome, be positive and you will see it will be a great, great celebration of the greatest FIFA World Cup ever.” – FIFA President Gianni Infantino… Read More
Prosecuting People for Coming to the United States
Over the last two decades, the federal government increasingly has utilized the criminal courts to punish people for immigration violations. This overview provides basic information about entry-related offenses, including the significant costs incurred by the government conducting these prosecutions, the individuals who are subjected to them, and how the government’s rationale for carrying them out is not supported by the data. Read More
Immigration Detainers: An Overview
This fact sheet explains detainers, how they are used by federal and local enforcement, and the impact they have on immigrants. Read More
New USCIS Memo May Force More Green Card Applicants to Apply from Abroad, Causing Chaos and Confusion
Update: The text and headline of this post were updated on June 1, 2026, to reflect recent statements made by USCIS. On May 21, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy memorandum (PM-602-0199) concerning green card applications filed within the United States. While the Trump… Read More
New Dashboard Reveals Insights Into USCIS Backlogs and Processing Trends
The U.S. immigration system is broken — it’s a phrase heard often in discussions about the state of immigration in the U.S. Now, a new interactive dashboard from the American Immigration Council allows anyone with an internet connection to better understand our dysfunctional system of legal immigration. … Read More
Data: Eligible Immigrant Voters Play a Key Role in Elections in Hundreds of Swing Districts
Analysis of 284 congressional districts highlights immigrants’ role in shaping close races April 16, Washington DC — A new analysis from the American Immigration Council finds that millions of immigrant voters who are U.S. citizens are a central part of the electorate across 284 congressional districts where elections will… Read More
Employment-Based Visa Categories in the United States: An Overview
Current U.S. immigration law provides several paths for foreign workers to enter the United States for employment purposes on a temporary or permanent basis. This fact sheet provides basic information about how the employment-based U.S. immigration system works. Read More
Supreme Court Expresses Skepticism at Trump’s Effort to Eliminate Birthright Citizenship
Over 150 years ago, with the embers of the Civil War still smoldering, members of Congress gathered to write the 14th Amendment. In its very first clause they wrote a single, straightforward sentence: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are… Read More
America's story is an immigrant story.
