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
- 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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Biden Administration Revokes Trump’s Health Insurance Visa Ban
President Biden revoked a proclamation issued by former President Trump in 2019 that required nearly all prospective immigrants to demonstrate that they would be covered by private health insurance or were wealthy enough not to need it. Those needing health insurance would have to be covered within 30 days… Read More
As US Birth Rate Declines, Programs Like Social Security Need Immigration to Survive
Birth rates are falling in the United States at the same time more Americans are reaching retirement age. Together, these two trends present enormous economic challenges for the nation. A growing number of retirees are leaving the labor force and relying on programs like Social Security and Medicare. But there… Read More
Council and Broad Coalition Urge Department of Homeland Security to Withdraw Records Destruction Plans
In this letter, the Council and a diverse coalition call on the Biden administration to stop and reevaluate plans to destroy immigration agency records documenting abuse and misconduct. Read More
Yes, All Immigrants Can Get the COVID-19 Vaccine—Even Those Who Are Undocumented
Since the start of the pandemic, many immigrants have been left out of federal COVID-19 relief packages. Both undocumented immigrants and some people in mixed-status households have been excluded from stimulus checks, rent assistance, and other financial aid. This has left some questioning whether they qualify… Read More
Immigration Policies Based on Deterrence Don’t Work
Over the last two months, the Biden administration has been pressured to carry out another crackdown at the border as the number of arriving families and children rise. But officials making these calls must grapple with one simple fact: immigration enforcement through deterrence doesn’t work. If we want to keep… Read More
New Data Highlights the Economic Contributions of DREAMers in Major Texas Metros
Analysis confirms DACA-eligible residents pay hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes, wield billions in spending power annually in Texas metropolitan areas HOUSTON– Today, Texans for Economic Growth (TEG) and the Texas Opportunity Coalition (TOC) released new… Read More
Facts About the Current Situation at the Border
The nation has turned its attention to the current situation at the U.S.-Mexico border, including the rise in immigrant children in U.S. government custody. Much of the conversation has focused on a supposed surge in arrivals under the Biden administration, but the current increase began well before President Biden took office. Read More
Statement from NAE Executive Director Jeremy Robbins on passage of the Dream and Promise Act and Farm Workforce Modernization Act in the House
Following the House passing the Dream and Promise Act and Farm Workforce Modernization Act, New American Economy issued the following statement: “The bipartisan House majority that passed the Dream and Promise Act and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act today shows that there is will in both parties to… Read More
Quantifying the Impact of the Trump Administration on Immigration
Table of Contents: Naturalizations Permanent Residency H-1Bs International Students DACA Temporary Status Protected Given the upheaval of the past year since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been difficult to take full stock of the Trump Administration’s impact on… Read More
Why We Must Improve Immigration Agency Transparency – And How to Do It
The Biden administration must improve transparency in the U.S. immigration system. Such efforts go hand in hand with strengthening democratic institutions. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), any person has the right to access any non-exempt federal government record. FOIA is a critical tool for holding the government… Read More
America's story is an immigrant story.
