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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Removal of ‘Nation of Immigrants’ from USCIS Mission Ignores Agency’s Mandate and American History
Francis Cissna, Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), unveiled a new mission statement for the agency last week, notably deleting the words “a nation of immigrants” as well as other key principles central to the agency’s work. Given the sweeping changes underway in the enforcement… Read More
On News of DACA’s End, College Dreamer Turns College Drop-Out
In September 2017, Cristian Olivares was ready to start his freshman year of college. He had registered for business classes and signed a lease for an apartment. Then he learned that the Trump administration was ending Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA), the 2012 policy that temporarily defers deportation and… Read More
Dreamer Forced to Shelve Plan to Use IT Skills to ‘Protect Our Troops’
Axel did not know he was an undocumented immigrant until he started high school. His parents had brought him and his brother to the United States from Guatemala when he was 6 years old, and, as he got older, the Sioux Falls resident assumed he had the same rights as… Read More
Without DACA, South Dakotan Will Lose Chance to Fill Critical Healthcare Role
Mario Gonzalez is on the front line of emergency care at North Kansas City Hospital. A cardiac sonographer, Gonzales conducts ultrasounds of patients’ hearts. It is a critical diagnostic tool for cardiologists, and trained health technicians like Gonzales are in high demand as an aging population across the United States… Read More
DACA Engineer and Homeowner Seeks Protection for His Family
Cesar Rodriguez is an accomplished 24-year-old. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, works full time as a design engineer, owns two homes, in Nashville, Tennessee, and does volunteer work with young people. But next year, unless Congress takes action, Rodriguez could be forced to leave his job, his… Read More
Maine Dreamer: ‘People Should Not Be Living in Fear in America’
“EM,” a young immigrant brought to the United States from El Salvador at the age of 3, has been living in fear since the Trump administration announced in September 2017 that it would phase out DACA unless Congress takes action. “If something happens and I’m deported, I would not go… Read More
Lawmakers Are Blaming Undocumented Immigrants for the Opioid Epidemic
The scapegoating of immigrants for crime in the United States was on full display at a February 15 hearing of the House Judiciary Committee. The hearing was devoted to exploring the ways in which “sanctuary” jurisdictions allegedly impede law-enforcement efforts to control the opioid epidemic. That argument is a… Read More
NAE Statement on Senate Immigration Results
After the Senate failed to pass an immigration compromise this afternoon, New American Economy released the following statement: “So far senators have brought three credible, bipartisan deals to the table. None has reached the finish line, but with the support of a majority of Americans and bipartisan negotiations still taking… Read More
NAE Statement on Rounds-King, McCain-Coons Amendments
Ahead of the upcoming Senate votes on bipartisan immigration proposals, New American Economy issued the following statement: “Border security plus a fix for Dreamers gives Congress a clear path through the gridlock on immigration,” said John Feinblatt, President of New American Economy. “We applaud Senators McCain, Coons, Rounds, and King for bringing… Read More
Immigrants Bring Home the Gold for the U.S. Olympics Team
From their meme-worthy Opening Ceremony gloves to some stunning wins on the halfpipe, Team USA has started the 2018 Winter Olympics off with a bang. Early victories in the Pyeongchang, South Korea games would not be possible without this entire group of 242 talented Americans—including the multiple athletes that… Read More
America's story is an immigrant story.
