United States

Immigration in the United States: New Economic, Social, Political Landscapes with Legislative Reform on the Horizon

Immigration has been critical for the United States across its history, with large-scale arrivals coming during just four peak periods.

Even as enforcement spending reached nearly $18 billion in FY 2012, the United States stood on the threshold of its most significant immigration overhaul since 1990.

Health Outcomes of Mexican Immigrant Women in the United States

Despite low health insurance coverage rates, Mexican immigrant women in the United States show unexpectedly favorable health outcomes in some areas.

Legal Immigration Policies for Low-Skilled Foreign Workers

The near-absence of U.S. legal low-skilled work visas drives unauthorized immigration. Designing a new program raises fiercely contested questions on wages and portability.

Side-by-Side Comparison of 2013 Senate Immigration Bill with 2006 and 2007 Senate Legislation

The 2013 bipartisan Senate immigration overhaul advanced a more conditional, graduated legalization path and expanded merit-based visas compared to 2006 and 2007 predecessors.

Side-by-Side Comparison of the 2013 Senate Immigration Framework with 2006 and 2007 Senate Legislation

The 2013 Senate immigration framework shared broad goals with its 2006 and 2007 predecessors but departed sharply on enforcement triggers and legalization design.

Mexican Migration to the United States: Underlying Economic Factors and Possible Scenarios for Future Flows

Sectoral demand shifts—not just supply-side shocks—explain Mexican migration trends since 1990, and net flows are projected to stay well below 1990s peaks through 2017.

Central American Immigrants in the United States

The number of U.S. immigrants from Central America grew more than 60-fold from 1960 to 2011.

Sequester Affects Immigration Enforcement — and Invites Attention to Detention Policy

When the U.S. sequester forced the release of 2,228 immigration detainees, the political fallout spotlighted the high cost and contested logic of U.S. immigration detention.

Immigrants in a Changing Labor Market: Responding to Economic Needs

Key Immigration Laws and Policy Developments Since 1986

Since enactment of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, U.S. immigration enforcement has expanded steadily while comprehensive reform has repeatedly stalled in Congress.