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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Trump’s Immigration Ban Does Not Keep Us Safer or Solve our Economic Challenges
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to temporarily suspend immigration to the United States. The order applies to many individuals currently outside the United States who do not yet have immigrant (permanent) visas. Read More
America’s Tradition as a Nation of Immigrants Must Not be Compromised
President Donald Trump announced his intention to temporarily suspend immigration to the United States in response to the coronavirus pandemic. A ban on all immigration would be an extraordinary move that flies in the face of our long history as a nation of immigrants. Read More
Immigrant Survivors of Domestic Violence Face Unique Risks During Coronavirus
The spread of the coronavirus has led state and local governments to issue “stay at home orders” to limit contact outside of the household. But these mandates have caused unexpected consequences for survivors of domestic violence—or “intimate terrorism.” Many of these survivors may no longer be able to find safety… Read More
1 in 10 Eligible Voters Is Now an Immigrant. Here’s Why That Matters for America.
Immigrants are participating in the U.S. political process in record numbers, which is a clear sign of successful integration into American society. In fact, nearly one out of every 10 eligible voters in the United States is now an immigrant. That means at least 10 percent of the electorate has… Read More
What You Need to Know About Public Charge and the Coronavirus
Immigrants living in the United States are eligible for unemployment benefits. But as the health and economic impacts of the coronavirus spread across the country, many are reportedly afraid to file for unemployment and other government benefits. Much of this fear stems from the Trump administration’s… Read More
Undocumented Immigrants and the Covid-19 Crisis
The United States is facing the most dire healthcare crisis in recent memory. Last week, NAE took a look at the role immigrants are playing in the fight against the coronavirus outbreak as healthcare workers and in supporting industries. Today, we examine the most vulnerable group of immigrants,… Read More
How Storytelling During the COVID-19 Crisis Can Help Defeat Nativism
We are in the midst of a crisis unlike any we’ve experienced in our lifetimes. We are scared and scrambling to protect ourselves and the ones that we love. This is normal and understandable. However, if we’re not mindful, the spread of the coronavirus and the accompanying fear could create… Read More
Coronavirus Relief Package Fails to Provide Aid to Millions of Immigrants, Including Many on the Front Lines
President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) on Friday, March 27. The $2 trillion stimulus package goes a long way to improve our response to the COVID-19 outbreak. But it fails to deliver for millions of immigrants across the country, including… Read More
Help keep these immigrant-serving organizations operating during COVID-19
There is critical work being done around the country to ensure that immigrants, refugees, and other vulnerable groups have access to information and resources they need, from health care to economic stability. To support this work, we have compiled a list of organizations coordinating direct services that could use your… Read More
Congress Passes Bill Ensuring US Citizenship for Children of Military Members
A bill that would ensure automatic U.S. citizenship for the children of U.S. military service members will soon hit the president’s desk. The Citizenship for Children of Military Members & Civil Servants Act passed the House and Senate with bipartisan support last Thursday. Until recently, children born abroad to… Read More
America's story is an immigrant story.
