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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Oklahoma Business and Community Leaders Respond to the Announcement of the SUCCEED Act Sponsored by Senator Lankford to Address DREAMers in the Economy
Oklahoma City, OK — Today, Oklahoma business and community leaders responded to the announcement of the SUCCEED Act, co-sponsored by Senator James Lankford (R-OK), that aims to address the uncertain future of DREAMers following the announcement to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program. “I’m encouraged to see Senator… Read More
North Carolina Business and Community Leaders Respond to the Announcement of the SUCCEED Act Sponsored by Senator Tillis to Address DREAMers in the Economy
Raleigh, NC — Today, North Carolina business and community leaders responded to the announcement of the SUCCEED Act, co-sponsored by Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), that aims to address the uncertain future of DREAMers following the announcement to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program. “It is encouraging to see… Read More
NAE Statement on The SUCCEED Act
Following the introduction of Senator Tillis’, Senator Lankford’s, and Senator Hatch’s SUCCEED Act (Solution for Undocumented Children through Careers Employment Education and Defending Our Nation), which protects undocumented young people who came to this country as children, New American Economy President John Feinblatt issued the following statement: “This is a… Read More
McClatchy: GOP bill will offer Dreamers citizenship after ‘extreme vetting’
Sen. Thom Tillis will introduce his “conservative Dream Act” on Monday that would provide a pathway to citizenship for as many as 2.5 million young undocumented immigrants, but one that is long and involves “extreme vetting.” The North Carolina Republican and cosponsor James Lankford, an Oklahoma Republican, will… Read More
Public’s Appetite for Harsh Immigration Polices on the Decline
While undocumented immigration remains a concern among two-thirds of the American public, most Americans, including Republicans, support proposals which provide law-abiding immigrants a chance to remain in the country. This ongoing shift in public opinion was calculated by a new poll from Monmouth University, which showed that support for two… Read More
DACA Recipient Fears Losing Ability to Support Her Younger Siblings
When Blanca Carrillo Salmeron, an undocumented immigrant in Norman, Oklahoma, received protection from deportation under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) order in 2013, a year after it was signed, the whole family breathed a sigh of relief. Carrillo Salmeron’s parents were also undocumented, and they had four other… Read More
Tucson Weekly: DREAMers Deferred
Marygrace Ghio found out she was undocumented when she was 13 years old. “It was sort of shocking because I was at the age where everyone got their license and then they went off to college,” she said. “And when I found out, it was like, well, I guess I won’t… Read More
Dreamer Builds a Successful Life in New York After Mother’s Deportation
Angel Reyes Rivas, the co-founder of a thriving technology company, has sacrificed more than most to become an educated, middle-class professional. When he was in high school, his mother was pulled over for driving without a license. As an undocumented immigrant from Peru, she was handed over to Immigration and… Read More
California Student Uses DACA Status To Start a Business
As soon as Ovier Alvarez, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, was granted the right to legally work in the United States, he started a photography business. Alvarez is a Dreamer, one of roughly 800,000 who has so far received protection under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a 2012 policy… Read More
DACA Recipient Dreams of Buying His Mother a House
Shortly after Jesus Perez began working as a social science research assistant at Johns Hopkins University, his 10-year-old brother asked for an ice-cream cone. Perez felt deep gratitude that he could say yes. As the undocumented son of Mexican immigrants, he didn’t have such luxuries when he was young. “Having… Read More
America's story is an immigrant story.
