Undocumented Immigration
Millions of Immigrants Could Become U.S. Citizens—and Voters
Politicians who demonize immigrants do so at their own peril. Immigrants are already a key voting bloc in many states. And they are only going to get stronger as more and more of them become lawful permanent residents (LPRs) and, ultimately, U.S. citizens who are eligible to vote. Needless… Read More
Talking Turkey on Immigration 2015
Today, I have the pleasure of following in the footsteps of Mary Giovagnoli, who, during her five years at the American Immigration Council, entertained and enlightened us with her annual blog about how to survive and thrive when the topic turns to immigration at the Thanksgiving Day table. With… Read More
Fifty Years Later, the Immigration Act That Transformed America
Fifty years ago this past Saturday, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) into law. This Act is best known for having dismantled an earlier immigrant admission system that was based on national origin quotas. Instead, the INA established a new immigration system that prioritized… Read More
New Report Shines Light on the Changing Nature of Unauthorized Immigration
The nature of unauthorized immigration to the United States is changing. Economic and social conditions are changing in both the United States and the countries from which it has traditionally received immigrants. And these changes are reflected in patterns of unauthorized immigration. In a new report, the Migration Policy… Read More
White House Report on Improving Our Legal Immigration System: Too Little Too Late?
As part of November 2014’s Executive Action announcement, the President issued a memorandum directing the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security to recommend improvements to the immigration system. After seeking public input and receiving roughly 1,650 responses, the agencies submitted their recommendations to the White House and on July… Read More
Without Legalization, State Policies Remain Crucial to Healthy Communities
In the absence of meaningful immigration reform to address the situation of the millions of undocumented individuals living in the United States, state policies have become more and more important. One of the areas in which that is especially true is public health. It is unquestionable that healthy communities require broad access… Read More
How Much Do Undocumented Immigrants Pay in State and Local Taxes?
Undocumented immigrants contribute to the U.S. economy in many ways. They fill essential jobs, they sustain U.S. businesses through their purchase of goods and services, and they pay taxes to federal, state, and local governments. Their contributions would be even greater if they had a chance to earn legal… Read More
Rush for H-1B visas is on
Applicants for H-1B visas — those that allow foreign workers with at least a bachelor’s degree to temporarily work at specialty jobs in the US — are facing fierce competition this year. “There is a 60 percent increase in cases we receive this year compared with last year,” Los Angeles-based… Read More
How Inaction on Immigration Impacts the Agricultural Economy
Due to its geographic diversity and natural resource abundance, the United States is one of the world’s leading agricultural producers and suppliers. Indeed, the $374 billion U.S. agriculture sector is critical to the U.S. economy, but its health depends on a functioning immigration system. From migrant workers on farms,… Read More
Hatch, Flake promote 21st century workforce through I-Squared Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sens. Orrin Hatch and Jeff Flake, R-Arizona, issued statements Tuesday after underscoring the importance of passing the Immigration Innovation, or “I-Squared,” Act in a Senate judiciary committee hearing on high-skilled immigration. “In our global innovation marketplace, America cannot afford to continue to lose the talent we educate and… Read More
All gifts are matched dollar for dollar
No one should face the immigration system alone
