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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Where Doug Jones Stands on Immigration Policy
Doug Jones, a former Democratic prosecutor once considered a longshot in Republican-majority Alabama, narrowly won the state’s Senate race Tuesday evening in what may ultimately prove to be a needed boost for immigrants’ rights on Capitol Hill. Jones’ stance on immigration was largely captured during the contentious Senate race,… Read More
The Washington Post: Democrats can’t shut down the government, but they can win on DACA
There is lots of talk about whether Democrats will try to shut down the government, after the two-week funding bill runs out, in order to get relief for young people affected by President Trump’s decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Harry Enten at FiveThirtyEight ponders: “Democrats arguably… Read More
Without DACA, Gifted Linguist Faces Deportation Instead of Law School
When Santiago Tobar Potes was brought to the United States at age 3, he spoke only Spanish. Now 20 and a student at Columbia University, he has become a gifted linguist, teaching himself English, French, Portuguese, Italian, Haitian Creole, and Chinese, and now working on Arabic and Russian. He wants… Read More
KIMA TV: Yakima Valley’s economy could take a hit if immigrants are forced to leave in March
$1.65 billion dollars. That’s how much Yakima County made in 2014 from all its crop sales. Which such a large amount of money, it’s easy to see that agriculture is one of the driving forces of the county’s economy. That includes the valley’s famous apples and cherries. Luz Bazen Gutierrez… Read More
America's story is an immigrant story.
