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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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
With Nurse Aides Needed, Trained Dreamer Fears She Will Be Deported
Leyla Sabag is a nurse assistant who is about to start working at a nonprofit clinic for low-income Kansans. “It’s not a job for the weak, definitely — you have to work 16-hour shifts, and you have patients who scream, hit, bite, spit,” she says. “It’s one of those things… Read More
Ohio Student Eyes College, Still Worries About Younger Dreamers
For most of her childhood, Itzel Marquez had no idea she was an undocumented immigrant. Family members had brought her to the United States when she was just 3 years old. When she was 9, she says, “I started hearing about undocumented immigrants on the news, and I asked my… Read More
If Allowed, Dreamer Could Help Ease South Carolina Nursing Shortage
Nineteen-year-old Lenda Vazquez works six to seven days a week at her father’s landscaping business in Gilbert, South Carolina. “I’m pretty much his right-hand man,” she says. Vazquez is an undocumented immigrant, but her protections under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) have allowed her to obtain a driver’s license… Read More
As Reservist Deploys, Fears His DACA Fiancé May Be Deported
Esmeralda Tovar-Contreras is an undocumented immigrant who was brought to the United States from Mexico City when she was 2 years old. Thanks to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which provides qualifying young people like her some protections, the 21-year-old has been able to get a job at a… Read More
America's story is an immigrant story.
