Immigration Reform

The U.S. immigration system is complex and can be difficult to understand. These resources provide key data points, historical information, and background on hot topics in immigration. Learn the basics about immigration.

Recent Features

Fact Sheet
  • Fact Sheet
The Cost of Immigration Enforcement and Border Security

Since the creation of the Department of Homeland Security in 2003, the federal government has spent an estimated $324 billion on the agencies that carry out immigration enforcement. 

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Special Report
  • Special Report
Back to the Future: The Impact of Legalization Then and Now

While there are many facets to an intelligent immigration reform package, one thing is clear: legalization for undocumented immigrants helps all of us. 

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All Immigration Reform Content

  • Blog

Due Process, Enforcement Reform and Family Unification Top Sanders’ Platform

December 2, 2015

Senator Bernie Sanders, a contender for the Democratic nomination for President, recently released his updated and vastly expanded immigration platform. His initial plan was short on detail;...

  • Blog

Groups Urge Supreme Court to Hear Executive Action Case This Term

December 1, 2015

Today, a coalition of 224 immigration, civil rights, labor, and social service groups filed an amicus (“friend of the court”) brief, urging the Supreme Court to review the Fifth Circuit’s decision...

  • Blog

Are Immigrants Better Off Now Than They Were One Year Ago?

November 20, 2015

One year ago, President Obama announced executive actions his Administration would take on immigration. These actions were meant as common-sense reforms to an immigration system that has not been...

  • Blog

Obama Administration Goes to the Supreme Court in DACA and DAPA Lawsuit

November 20, 2015

Today, the U.S. Department of Justice formally asked the Supreme Court to review the Fifth Circuit’s decision in the Texas lawsuit that blocks implementation of President Obama’s 2014 deferred...

  • Blog

Congress Continues its Knee-Jerk Reaction to Paris Attacks

November 19, 2015

Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4038, the “American Safe Act of 2015” by a vote of 289 to 137, with 47 Democrats and all but two Republicans supporting the bill. This comes less...

  • Blog

Bernie Sanders Immigration Policy Platform, Progressive but Imprecise

November 12, 2015

Democratic presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders’ (I-VT) immigration policy platform was recently released and it showcases his thinking around immigration reform, enforcement and his...

  • Blog

Understanding Where We’re at and What Comes Next in DACA/DAPA Case

November 10, 2015

Last night, a divided panel of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals denied the federal government’s appeal of the preliminary injunction that has halted implementation of President Obama’s 2014...

  • Blog

Setting the Record Straight on the Leaked Government Memo on Work Authorization

November 5, 2015

Recently, a leaked memo related to the Department of Homeland Security’s ongoing deliberations about reforming the employment-based immigrant visa system was published online. An “investigative...

  • Blog

Congress Passes a Budget, But a Government Shutdown is Still Possible

November 3, 2015

Last week Congress passed and on Monday the President signed a two year bipartisan budget agreement that also raised the debt ceiling through March 2017. The two year budget sets federal spending...

  • Blog

DHS Secretary Johnson Discusses Border Security, Executive Action, Refugees and PEP

October 30, 2015

On Thursday, Secretary Jeh Johnson of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) addressed the 12th Annual Immigration Law and Policy Conference, covering a wide-range of topics, from border...

  • Blog

Five Things to Look for on Immigration in the 115th Congress

January 9, 2017

When President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in later this month, for the first time in a decade, the Republican Party will have control of the House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, and the...

  • Blog

Congress Keeps Government Open Until April, Reauthorizes Key Immigration Programs

December 13, 2016

Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) last week that continues the funding needed to keep the federal government open and running at current levels, but only through April 28, 2017....

  • Blog

States and Localities Respond to Donald Trump’s Immigration Plans

December 12, 2016

With all the focus on what to expect at the national level on immigration under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, it’s easy to overlook the states and localities, which are reacting...

  • Blog

Bipartisan Bill to Protect DACA Recipients Introduced

December 9, 2016

A bipartisan group of Senators introduced a bill on Friday to temporarily protect individuals eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Senators Durbin (D-IL), Feinstein (D-CA),...

  • Blog

What a Donald Trump Victory Means for Immigrant Rights

November 9, 2016

The 2016 presidential election is, at long last, behind us. While pundits will interpret the significance of the election results for months to come, already clear is the broad public support for...

  • Blog

How the Vice Presidential Candidates Responded to Immigration Issues at the Debate

October 5, 2016

During last night’s vice presidential debate, candidates U.S. Senator Tim Kaine and Indiana Governor Mike Pence engaged in a heated exchange on immigration. Kaine reiterated his running mate...

  • Blog

Supreme Court Won’t Rehear Executive Action on Immigration — What’s Next?

October 4, 2016

This week, the United States Supreme Court declined to rehear arguments in United States v Texas, the case challenging expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action...

  • Blog

What to Expect Now That Congress Is Back

September 8, 2016

Congress returned to work this week after a six week recess. While September promises to be a busy month for lawmakers, it is unlikely that immigration reform will be high on their “to do” list....

  • Blog

New Lawsuit Challenges Preliminary Injunction in United States v. Texas

August 29, 2016

In February 2015, a court in Texas issued a nationwide preliminary injunction in the case challenging the expansion of President’s Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative...

  • Blog

White House Announces Proposed Rule to Encourage Foreign Entrepreneurs to Do Business in the United States

August 26, 2016

The White House announced a proposed rule to encourage entrepreneurs throughout the world to develop their ideas and create jobs in the U.S. This long-awaited initiative is part of the executive...

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