Legalization/Regularization

Explore all research, analysis, data, and commentary on regularization and legalization, the terms used in different parts of the world to describe the provision of temporary or permanent legal status to migrants resident in the country who lack legal status.

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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.

Major U.S. Immigration Laws, 1790 - Present

U.S. immigration law has swung between openness and restriction since 1790, with each era's legislation shaped by labor needs, national security fears, and racial politics.

Immigration and U.S. Economic Competitiveness: A View from the Midwest

This release event for the report of The Chicago Council's independent task force on U.S. Economic Competitiveness at Risk: A Midwest Call to Action on Immigration Reform, introduced attendees to immigration initiatives being undertaken throughout the Midwest to promote the region’s economic competitiveness.

Immigration Reform Returns to Center Stage of U.S. Politics

For the first time since 2007, bipartisan U.S. immigration reform proposals put legalization for unauthorized immigrants on the table.

Thailand at a Crossroads: Challenges and Opportunities in Leveraging Migration for Development

Thailand's estimated 3.5 million migrants face barriers to decent work and health care, requiring comprehensive long-term policy to leverage migration for development.

Unauthorized Immigrants in the United States and Europe: The Use of Legalization/Regularization as a Policy Tool

The United States and the European Union have both repeatedly turned to legalization as a policy tool, even as political opposition to it has grown on both sides of the Atlantic.

Up for Grabs: The Gains and Prospects of First- and Second-Generation Young Adults

A discussion on the gains that young adult immigrants or the U.S.-born children of immigrants have made in education and employment.

Regularizations in the European Union: The Contentious Policy Tool

Despite controversy, EU governments have regularized more than 5 million unauthorized immigrants since 1996, using varied programs to tackle informal work and pursue humanitarian aims.

Irregular Migration in Europe

Irregular migration in Europe has declined and shifted routes, but remains reactive to labor demand and enforcement, signaling the need for border controls and broad reforms.

At Its 25th Anniversary, IRCA's Legacy Lives On

The 1986 immigration overhaul legalized millions of unauthorized immigrants but helped fuel an unauthorized population that reached 12 million by 2007.