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.
Celebrating Immigrant Heritage Month
America is a nation of immigrants and descendants of immigrants, and in recognition of this, June marks Immigrant Heritage Month, which honors our origins as a nation of immigrants through community activities and events. Whether it was our mothers and fathers, grandparents, or distant ancestors who made the journey to… Read More
Thanks to DACA, Harrowing Journey of Young Boy Gets a New Ending: a Chance at Law School
Today Javier Hernández is a high-achieving college student and legal assistant who will likely pursue a career in law. And yet as a young boy in San Salvador, El Salvador, Hernández’s future wasn’t nearly so bright. In fact, he had one central fear: That when he turned 12… Read More
Once an Undocumented Immigrant, Pennsylvania Town’s First Lady is Giving Back to Her Adoptive Home
Gisele Fetterman with family. Photo credit: Matthew Hodgman MN. In 2007, when she was in her mid-twenties, Brazilian immigrant Gisele Fetterman read an article about Braddock, Pennsylvania. “I wrote a letter, and the mayor, John Karl Fetterman, wrote back,” she says. Her initial fascination with Braddock was sparked by a… Read More
These Anti-Immigrant Organizations Are Behind the Effort to Derail Executive Action on Immigration
The tentacles of the modern anti-immigrant movement in the United States extend far and wide, but they emanate from a single source: John Tanton—a white nationalist trying his hardest to ensure that racial and ethnic minorities, fed by immigration and relatively high birth rates, don’t one day outnumber non-Latino… Read More
The Ever-Changing Demographics of America
If there’s one constant throughout human history, it’s that everything changes. New scientific discoveries are made and new technologies are invented. New nations are born from the ashes of warfare or revolution. And people move from place to place in search of better lives for themselves and their descendants. In… Read More
Chamber VP Sees Firsthand How Immigrant Businesses Stimulate the Economy
Gilda Ramirez knows how much immigrants have to contribute to the United States. Her father was born in Mexico but grew up undocumented in Texas. Just after he received a letter of deportation, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and went to fight in Germany during World War II. Read More
Fort Worth Pastor Says Deporting Undocumented Immigrants “Would Just Cripple Our Economy”
As the pastor at Waves of Faith, a multi-ethnic church in Fort Worth, Texas, Bobby Minor is expected to have compassion for every member of his congregation, even if they lack proper documentation to live here. Of the 500 people who worship at Waves of Faith, nearly 90 percent are… Read More
Immigrants Have an ‘Enormous Work Ethic,’ Says Acclaimed Documentarian and Entrepreneur
In 2011, photographer and documentarian Jesus Ramirez was asked to help produce a special about the Mexican Revolution, to highlight the untold historic contributions brought to the United States by Mexicans fleeing their country. The goal was a single hourlong episode, but the order quickly grew to 20 independent… Read More
American Farmer Recreates Fatal Trek of Guatemalan Boy, Calls for Immigration Reform
Gary Larsen has been harvesting asparagus on his farm since 1989. The vast majority of his workers are immigrants who supply documents attesting to their lawful right to live and work in the United States. Yet Larsen can’t be completely confident that their papers are genuine. “Not a day goes… Read More
Her Dream is Public Service, But it Hangs on Her Immigration Status
At the closing ceremony for the 2015 summer class of interns at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), 21-year-old Daniela Martinez delivered the farewell address. During her speech, the young leader addressed an audience that included Representatives Linda T. Sánchez, Henry Cuellar, Jim Costa, Ruben Gallego, Raúl Grijalva, Ben Ray… Read More
All gifts are matched dollar for dollar
No one should face the immigration system alone
