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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Administration’s Attempt to Restrict Asylum is Illegal and Un-American
The Trump administration revealed today a new interim final regulation that restricts access to asylum at the border, causing chaos and uncertainty for many seeking protection. Read More
Latino Voter Suppression in the 2018 Midterm Elections Not New
Latino voters are more engaged in the 2018 midterm elections than in years past. Enthusiasm towards voting is higher and Latinos have already contributed to record turnout in some states. Yet this interest and excitement towards voting has the potential to be hampered in some areas facing voter… Read More
Ending Birthright Citizenship Could Put All Americans’ Nationality in Jeopardy
On Monday night, President Trump told reporters that he intended to end birthright citizenship and claimed that he could do so with an executive order. Birthright citizenship comes from the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which states that “Any person born or… Read More
American Immigration Council on President Trump’s Plan to End Birthright Citizenship
President Donald Trump said yesterday in an interview that he plans to sign an executive order to eliminate birthright citizenship, a principle enshrined in the U.S. Constitution that grants citizenship to any person born within the territory of the United States. Read More
Massacre at Pittsburgh Synagogue Tied to Anti-Refugee Sentiment
In a world of instantaneous news, the nation learned of the attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue on Saturday in Pittsburgh almost in real time. As the details emerged, we discovered that 11 Jewish worshippers had been murdered by Robert Bowers, a self-described anti-Semite with a… Read More
How Does Immigration Factor into Americans’ Sense of Identity?
With the midterm elections fast approaching, immigration has become—yet again—one of the hottest political topics among candidates and likely voters. Much of the public debate over immigration is devoted to topics like the state of “border security” and the causes and effects of undocumented immigration. Beneath these specific issues, however,… Read More
The Nobel Prize Winners Show the Power of Welcoming Newcomers
When people feel welcomed into a community, great things often happen that benefit the receiving community and even the nation. When newcomers feel accepted and included in a society, it provides them the best shot at harnessing talents they may have otherwise been unable to recognize… Read More
5 Ways to Prevent the Next Migrant Caravan
Just two weeks ahead of the midterm elections, much attention is being placed on a migrant caravan of Central Americans making their way north through Mexico. Now reported to include more than 7,000 people, the mostly Honduran group is seeking protection from pervasive violence at home. Even though the… Read More
Ballot Measure 105 Could Cost Oregon More than $329 Million in GDP
PORTLAND, OR – As Oregon voters consider Ballot Measure 105 ahead of the November 6 election, new research from New American Economy (NAE) highlights the negative economic impact the state could face if Oregonians vote “yes” to repeal Oregon Revised Statute 181A.820, the state’s 31-year-old anti-racial profiling law. Measure 105… Read More
Almost 44 Percent of All U.S. Fortune 500 Companies in 2018 Were Founded by Immigrants or Their Children, New Research Shows
NEW YORK, NY—Today, New American Economy (NAE) released new data showing that almost 44 percent of 2018’s Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. Among these are some of the largest and most successful companies in the world, including Apple, Amazon, Costco, and Bank of America. Together,… Read More
America's story is an immigrant story.
