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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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
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
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
America's story is an immigrant story.
