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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New Analysis Finds DACA-Eligible Individuals Fill Key Roles in Industries Across U.S. Economy, Including Healthcare, Food Service, Education, Construction, and Technology
NEW YORK, NY – As Congress and the White House continue to hash out the specifics of a deal for Dreamers, New American Economy (NAE) is highlighting the stories and contributions of the DACA-eligible population. New analysis from NAE shows the important role immigrants eligible for the Deferred Action… Read More
What Views Do Millennials Hold Around Immigration?
The Millennial Generation constitutes the most racially and ethnically diverse generation America has ever known. Millennials are the largest living generation by population size (79.8 million in 2016) and are the generation with the largest number of individuals who identify as multiracial. A recent study on millennial attitudes… Read More
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
The Basics of Motions to Reopen EOIR-Issued Removal Orders
This practice advisory provides a basic overview of motions to reopen removal orders that are filed with the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), which consists of immigration courts throughout the country and the Board of Immigration Appeals, located in Falls, Church Virginia. The advisory also provides basic information about… 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
America's story is an immigrant story.
