Immigration Reform

The enforcement of immigration laws is a complex and hotly-debated topic. Learn more about the costs of immigration enforcement and the ways in which the U.S. can enforce our immigration laws humanely and in a manner that ensures due process.

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

Court Issues Decision in Washtech, Case Challenging Training for U.S.-Educated Noncitizens

August 14, 2015

This week, a federal district court issued a decision in Washtech (Washington Alliance of Technology Workers v. DHS), a lawsuit brought, in part, by the Immigration Reform Law Institute, to...

  • Blog

DHS Faces Challenges as It Rolls Out the Priority Enforcement Program

August 5, 2015

Among the executive actions on immigration unveiled last November was the announcement that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would end the controversial Secure Communities program and...

  • Blog

Study Estimates the Impact of New Priority Enforcement Policies on Deportation Numbers

July 24, 2015

The Migration Policy Institute released a new report that examines the potential impact of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) new policy guidance for immigration enforcement, which...

  • Blog

White House Report on Improving Our Legal Immigration System: Too Little Too Late?

July 23, 2015

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...

  • Blog

Congressional Hearings Highlight Need for Practical, Comprehensive Solutions That Promote Public Safety

July 21, 2015

The tragic murder of Kathryn Steinle in San Francisco this month prompted Congress to schedule two hearings this week—one held today in the Senate Judiciary Committee and another scheduled for...

  • Blog

DHS Secretary Johnson Testifies to House Judiciary Committee About Detainers

July 15, 2015

On Tuesday, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Jeh Johnson testified to the House Judiciary Committee—his first appearance in Congress since the tragic killing of Kate Steinle in San...

  • Blog

Appellate Court Hears Oral Argument in Texas v. United States

July 13, 2015

Last week, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans heard oral argument in the most closely watched immigration case in years, Texas v. United States. This is a case brought by Texas and...

  • Blog

One Year Later: Government Officials Request Lawyers for Immigrant Children and More Judges

July 9, 2015

On Tuesday, the Senate Homeland Security committee held a hearing examining the U.S. government’s response to last year’s arrivals of unaccompanied children fleeing Central American violence....

  • Blog

Court Rejects Restrictionists’ Attempts to Derail Work Authorization for H-4 Spouses

May 27, 2015

Despite immigration restrictionists’ efforts to derail implementation, a new rule went into effect this week allowing certain H-4 spouses (i.e., spouses of H-1B workers) to apply for work...

  • Blog

Appeals Court Denies Emergency Stay in Legal Challenge to Deferred Action

May 26, 2015

Today, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals denied the federal government’s request for an emergency stay of the preliminary injunction, which has temporarily stopped President Obama’s deferred...

  • Blog

Comparing the House and Senate Plans to Fund Immigration Agencies

June 22, 2016

The House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committees unveiled and passed out of committee their budgets for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which begins on October...

  • Blog

Why California’s Bill Allowing Undocumented Immigrants to Purchase Health Insurance is Good Policy

June 14, 2016

Governor Jerry Brown of California signed a historic law which could make his state the first to allow undocumented immigrants to purchase health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. SB10...

  • Blog

Family Reunification Policy for Filipino WWII Veterans Takes Effect

June 8, 2016

Beginning June 8, 2016, through the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole (FWVP) executive action, Filipino-Americans who bravely fought for the United States during World War II will be allowed...

  • Blog

Judge Hanen Halts Order That Would Have Revealed Personal Information of DACA Recipients

June 7, 2016

Judge Hanen halts his order that would have the Department of Justice (DOJ) turn over personal information of about 50,000 individuals who have received three-year reprieves from deportation and...

  • Blog

House Judiciary Marks Up Criticized Visa Security Act

May 26, 2016

This week, the House Judiciary Committee marked up and passed bill H.R. 5203, the Visa Integrity and Security Act of 2016 (VISA Act). The stated goal of the legislation introduced by Rep. Randy...

  • Press Release

When is Enough, Enough?

May 25, 2016

Washington, D.C. - Following a meeting to discuss comprehensive immigration reform with Senate Republicans, President Obama announced that he would send 1,200 Nati

  • Blog

Judge Hanen’s Recent Unwarranted Order in United States v. Texas

May 24, 2016

Last week, District Court Judge Andrew Hanen issued a highly extraordinary order telling the Department of Justice (DOJ) to turn over personal information of about 108,000 or so individuals who...

  • Press Release

Creating a Workable Future Flow Program in Senate Immigration Bill

May 13, 2016

Washington D.C. - Tomorrow, the Senate Judiciary Committee continues “mark-up” of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act.

  • Blog

How Some States Are Leading the Way on Immigrant Integration

May 5, 2016

Several notable developments took place in states across the U.S. over the past several months in 2016. In California, several recently passed immigration-related laws–collectively known as the “...

  • Blog

What Are the Next Steps at the Supreme Court in U.S. v. Texas?

April 21, 2016

The oral arguments in U.S. v. Texas are now complete and dozens of news articles and analyses have attempted to predict what the Court will decide. However, all that truly matters is the final...

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