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 Long Does It Take USCIS to Issue a Green Card?
How long does it take to process an application for permanent residence in the United States, or a “green card?” You might be surprised by how difficult it is to find a reliable answer to this common question. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)—the agency that adjudicates applications for permanent… Read More
It Is Legal to Seek Asylum
As thousands of asylum-seeking parents were separated from their children in recent months, the Trump administration actively portrayed them as law breakers who must be prosecuted and punished for coming to the United States. Left out of the narrative is one well-established fact: it is legal to seek asylum. The… Read More
14,000 Become U.S. Citizens to Celebrate Fourth of July
Coinciding with the Fourth of July each year, naturalization ceremonies turn immigrants into new American citizens. This Independence Day, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will welcome over 14,000 new citizens nationwide. These new citizens will be naturalized in approximately 175 ceremonies across the country—at a… Read More
Re-Definition of ‘Public Charge’ Could Drastically Slash Family Immigration
The Trump administration is quietly attempting to revamp the U.S. immigration system by circumventing Congress and changing the nation’s immigration policies through new federal regulations. The administration has always favored a significant reduction in legal immigration and has pursued that goal through multiple avenues: admitting fewer refugees, cutting Temporary… Read More
New American Economy Statement on Immigration Legislation in the House of Representatives (H.R. 6136 and H.R. 4760)
NEW YORK – “The House is failing to meet the moment on immigration,” said John Feinblatt, President of New American Economy. “Despite months of healthy, bipartisan negotiations in both chambers, the House is voting on hardliner wish-lists that not only leave too many Dreamers in legal limbo, but also set… Read More
Read This Year’s ‘Celebrate America’ Creative Writing Contest Winning Entry
The American Immigration Council is proud to announce the winner of the 21st Annual Celebrate America Fifth Grade Creative Writing Contest. This contest encourages educators to incorporate lessons on U.S. immigration into their classrooms and gives fifth graders the opportunity to explain, in their own words, why… Read More
The Immigrant Success Story: How Family-Based Immigrants Thrive in America
Through analysis of data from the decennial census and administrative data from the Immigration and Naturalization Service, this special report examines the earnings gains over time of all immigrants, as well as the earnings gains experienced by family-based immigrants compared to employment-based immigrants. Read More
Celebrating Immigrant Heritage Month and Being Welcoming Is Good for You and Your Community
June is Immigrant Heritage Month, and given the shrill and often negative rhetoric we hear around immigration, it seems more important than ever to take time to appreciate our immigration history and what newcomers bring to our nation and our lives. Though our country’s roots can be largely… Read More
Trump’s Nominee for Refugee Bureau Has an Anti-Immigrant History
When it comes to U.S. refugee policy, the Trump administration is asking Congress to let the fox guard the hen house. The administration has nominated Ronald Mortensen to be assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), housed within the U.S. State Department. Mortensen… Read More
Government Playing Fast and Loose With ‘Gang Member’ Label
There is no doubt that criminal gangs operating in the United States adversely impact the lives of many people living in communities throughout the country. However, in a nefarious act, President Trump is attempting to cast young people fleeing Central America as gang members—which is simply untrue. As the Immigrant… Read More
All gifts are matched dollar for dollar
No one should face the immigration system alone
