Why Donors Trust the American Immigration Council

Rated four stars by Charity Navigator for transparency and accountability.

Awarded Candid’s (formerly Guidestar) highest transparency rating.

Listed as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Nonprofits of 2026.
The American Immigration Council has over four decades of experience working with more than 120 local communities across more than 40 states to support policymakers, businesses, and civic leaders.

The American Immigration Council earns trust through:
- Independent research and analysis
- Strategic litigation that protects due process rights
- Policy expertise informed by legal and economic evidence
- National partnerships and coalitions
- Transparent reporting on our work and impact
What Makes Us Different
We protect rights today while helping shape a fairer immigration system for the future.
Going to Court
We challenge unlawful government actions and connect detain immigrants with free legal representation.
Research
We produce data-driven analysis that informs public discussion and policymaking.
Public Education
We help Americans understand the realities and contributions of immigrants in their everyday lives.
Advocacy
We engage decision makers to improve immigration policies.
Trusted Research and Analysis
The American Immigration Council is recognized as a leading source of immigration research and policy analysis.
Our publications help journalists, policymakers, advocates, educators, and community members understand the realities of immigration through evidence-based reporting and analysis. The organization works to challenge myths and misinformation while promoting fair and rational immigration policies.
Featured Publications
How ICE Went Rogue
A detailed analysis of how ICE and CBP have expanded their powers through unlawful traffic stops, pedestrian sweeps, home raids, and warrantless…
Read More
Immigration Detention Expansion in Trump’s Second Term
Immigration detention in the United States has expanded dramatically in recent years, driven by aggressive enforcement policies and historic funding increases. Our…
Read More
Mass Deportation
The mass deportation of millions of undocumented individuals would be tremendously expensive and would have a catastrophic impact on our economy—one that…
Read MoreProtecting Fairness through Litigation
The American Immigration Council has established a reputation for pursuing litigation that promotes fairness and government accountability in the immigration system. Through legal action and partnerships, we work to ensure immigrants receive the protections and legal processes guaranteed under the law.
Litigation
We demand a fair process for immigrants and a just system for all through cutting-edge lawsuits.
Learn MoreLegal Resources
We equip immigration attorneys to be more effective and more successful in their efforts by providing extensive legal education and technical assistance.
Learn MoreGovernment Transparency
We hold government agencies accountable when they act unjustly by using the Freedom of Information Act to secure data and documentation, then analyzing it and sharing reports publicly.
Learn MoreImmigration Justice Campaign
We connect volunteer interpreters and attorneys with opportunities to help vulnerable immigrants in need of representation.
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
The American Immigration Council brings together legal, policy, research, and communications experts to examine immigration from multiple perspectives. Our work is grounded in reliable data, careful legal analysis, and direct experience with immigrants, attorneys, policymakers, businesses, and communities across the country. We publish our research and legal resources so readers can examine the evidence for themselves. We also make our annual reports, tax filings, and independently audited financial statements publicly available.
Yes. The American Immigration Council is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization and does not endorse or oppose candidates for elected office. We work with people and institutions across political and geographic lines to advance an immigration system that is fair, humane, and responsive to the country’s needs. However, being nonpartisan does not mean that we are silent on public policy. We analyze laws, government actions, and policy proposals based on evidence, legal principles, and their effects on immigrants and communities.
Donations support the Council’s coordinated work to protect immigrants’ rights and improve the immigration system. This includes providing free legal assistance, bringing lawsuits that hold the government accountable, producing research and public education resources, informing policy debates, and building coalitions in communities across the country. Contributions also help sustain the staff, technology, and operations required to deliver this work effectively and responsibly. Our financial statements and tax filings provide additional information about organizational revenue and expenses.
The Council produces accessible, data-driven research about immigration and its effects on the United States. Our reports, fact sheets, interactive tools, and analyses examine topics such as immigrants’ economic and demographic contributions, the workforce, immigration enforcement, detention, asylum, the legal system, and state and local policy. Our researchers draw on government data and other authoritative sources, explain their methods, and provide context that helps policymakers, journalists, advocates, and the public evaluate immigration claims and better understand a complex system.
The Council helps immigrants both directly and by working to change the systems that affect their lives. Through the Immigration Justice Campaign, we connect volunteer attorneys and interpreters with immigrants who might otherwise face detention or pursue asylum without representation. Our litigation challenges unlawful government practices and defends due process. We also advocate for more inclusive policies, equip communities and local leaders with research and tools, and work to foster greater understanding of immigrants’ experiences and contributions.
The Council’s Financial Information page includes annual and mid-year impact reports, IRS Form 990 filings, and independently audited financial statements. These materials provide information about our programs, revenue, expenses, governance, and financial position. The American Immigration Council is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and our employer identification number is 52-1549711.
You can support the Council by making a one-time or monthly donation, contributing through a donor-advised fund, fundraising on our behalf, or exploring other giving opportunities including corporate partnerships. Attorneys and interpreters can volunteer through the Immigration Justice Campaign to assist immigrants seeking legal representation. You can also subscribe to our emails, follow our work, share reliable immigration information, attend events, and take action on important policy issues. Every form of support helps advance a fairer and more just immigration system.
America’s story is an immigrant story.
Your support moves the American story toward justice, dignity, and belonging.