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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The Kansas City Star Commentary: Kobach, Yoder campaigns said immigrants are scary. Their loss proves we’re changing
Over the past few weeks, we have watched as the Trump administration’s nativist, anti-immigrant ideology has brought our government to a grinding halt. The partial federal shutdown has directly impacted the well-being of more than 800,000 federal workers, their families and the American people who rely on government services. Read More
Free Times Opinion: Sound Off: It’s Time to Protect South Carolina’s Dreamers
With the government shutdown continuing, pundits are asking whetherPresident Trump might resurrect a deal that came tantalizingly close last year: reopening the government and funding a border wall in exchange for protecting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, the… Read More
Comments Opposing “Public Charge” Plan
The American Immigration Council, with the American Immigration Lawyers Association, filed comments because a financial litmus test should never serve as a measure for who we welcome into our country. Read More
Government Data Reveals the Inner Workings of the U.S. Immigration Detention System
A report on immigration detention examines the United States’ complex, sprawling network of facilities used to detain immigrants. The report, “The Landscape of Immigration Detention in the United States,” reveals that detained individuals were commonly held in facilities operated by private entities and located in remote areas, far away from basic community support structures and legal advocacy networks. Read More
The Landscape of Immigration Detention in the United States
This analysis reveals that individuals detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement were commonly held in privately operated and remotely located facilities, far away from basic community support structures and legal advocacy networks. Read More
America's story is an immigrant story.
