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.
A New Report Shows the Continuing Overcriminalization of Immigrants
After more than a century of research and analysis, it has become quite clear that immigrants are far less prone to criminal conduct than the native-born population. And yet researcher John R. Lott of the Crime Prevention Research Center has recently claimed to have found evidence that exactly… Read More
Dreamer: ‘They Are Going to Throw Us Somewhere and Not Care’
For now, Sara Hamdi works the delivery counter at a Dayton, Ohio, Olive Garden. But the 27-year-old undocumented immigrant dreams of going back to school, studying business, and one day opening her own restaurant. “I’d like to bring some heart into this world, and I feel like food brings a… Read More
We’re Really Hardworking, Says Colorado DACA Recipient
When Acacia Mendoza was a baby, her parents, who had been laid off from their finance industry jobs in Guadalajara, Mexico, brought her and her twin sister to the United States, where her uncle worked as a tax preparer in Dallas. Her mother went to work for her uncle’s firm,… Read More
DACA-Eligible Population Holds $16.8 Billion in Spending Power
NEW YORK, NY – As Congress and the White House attempt to reach a compromise that addresses the status of DREAMers, New American Economy is highlighting the stories and economic contributions of DACA recipients and the DACA-eligible. The national DACA-eligible population holds almost $16.8 billion in spending power, according to … Read More
NAE Statement on Senate Introduction of USA Act
In response to the Senate introduction of the bipartisan Uniting and Securing America (USA) Act by Senators John McCain and Chris Coons, New American Economy issued the following statement: “Lawmakers on both sides already agree – a narrow approach gets an immigration deal across the finish line,” said John Feinblatt, President… Read More
One in Seven DACA-Eligible Individuals has Language Skills Needed by U.S. Military
NEW YORK, NY – As Washington debates how best to move forward on DACA, New American Economy (NAE) is highlighting the vital role Dreamers play in our economy, our communities, and our national security. According to research released by NAE, a substantial portion of the DACA-eligible population has… Read More
Dreamer Pays Into America, Asks Only for Opportunity to Continue
Elvis Saldias knew when he was 9 years old and his mother brought him to the United States from Bolivia that he was from then on classified an undocumented immigrant. “As a kid, it always weighed on me. I was paranoid and afraid of the police,” he says. “It definitely… Read More
Ohio Dreamer One of Many Healthcare Workers U.S. Could Lose Without DACA
After many years of struggle, Diana Marquez, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, is living the American Dream. A licensed phlebotomist, she is a supervisor at a Columbus, Ohio, blood bank and owns a three-bedroom home, which she shares with her husband and her 4-year-old son, who was born in the… Read More
Changes in Immigration Policy Dash Dreamer’s Plan to Serve Her Country
Yeimi Lemus, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, had plans to join the U.S. Army on her 18th birthday. Her dream is to become a police detective, and she thought that military training, combined with a college degree, would enable her to reach that goal. But unless current U.S. policy changes,… Read More
More Than 2.5 Million U.S. Citizens Live with DACA-Eligible Immigrants
NEW YORK, NY – While Washington works to find a solution for Dreamers, New American Economy is showcasing how crucial they are to communities across the nation. Over the last few days we’ve shown the impact Dreamers have through their income, tax contributions, payments into … Read More
All gifts are matched dollar for dollar
No one should face the immigration system alone