Unauthorized Immigration/Irregular Migration
Explore all research, analysis, commentary, and data on unauthorized immigrants and irregular migrants, terms used in different parts of the world to describe the individuals who lack the right to reside legally in their country of destination, as well as the policies and enforcement practices affecting them.
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Showing 251–260 of 813 results
Slowing U.S. Population Growth Could Prompt New Pressure for Immigration Reform
The 2020 decennial Census revealed near-record-low U.S. population growth, driven by declining immigration and birth rates. Will this drive immigration policy change?
Mexico’s Search for Disappeared Migrants Has Evolved, but Challenges Remain
Tens of thousands of cases of migrant disappearances remain unresolved in Mexico, leaving families without justice or support.
EU Strategy on Voluntary Return and Reintegration: Switching perspectives?
In April 2021, the European Commission took a step toward the creation of a common EU return system, releasing its first Strategy on Voluntary Return and Reintegration. This MPI Europe event examines origin- and destination-country policy priorities surrounding return, opportunities for cooperation, and possible next steps in policy development.
EU Strategy on Voluntary Return and Reintegration: Crafting a Road Map to Better Cooperation with Migrants’ Countries of Origin
The European Union’s 2021 voluntary return strategy must deepen cooperation with origin countries to make assisted departures and reintegration more effective and sustainable.
Rethinking the U.S. Legal Immigration System: A Policy Road Map
Last updated in 1990, the U.S. legal immigration system needs deep reforms so employment and family pathways better match today’s economic and demographic realities.
Border Challenges Dominate, But Biden’s First 100 Days Mark Notable Under-the-Radar Immigration Accomplishments
President Joe Biden's first 100 days brought sweeping immigration changes. But a record surge of border arrivals exposed significant gaps between promises and policy capacity.
Building Effective Migration Management Capacity in Mexico and Central America
This report release event examines migration management in Mexico and Central America, and the growing government attention to migration functions, enhanced immigration enforcement, increased investments in asylum systems and existing protection frameworks, as well as labor migration policies. The discussion explores strategies that regional and U.S. governments, as well as civil society, can employ to better manage migration, as governments in the region are being confronted with rapidly changing migration trends.
The EU-Turkey Deal, Five Years On: A Frayed and Controversial but Enduring Blueprint
Five years after the EU-Turkey deal reshaped European migration policy, the agreement has become a contested template for outsourcing border control.
European Strategy on Voluntary Return and Reintegration Advances Action within Bloc, Leaves More to Discuss with Countries of Migrant Origin
The European Commission's strategy on voluntary return and reintegration for migrants covers a lot of ground, including new coordination efforts across EU Member States. Yet one of its most significant developments is the recognition that countries of migrant origin must be consulted and play a key role in reintegration if these efforts are to be impactful and sustainable, as this commentary explains.
Laying the Foundation for Regional Cooperation: Migration Policy & Institutional Capacity in Mexico and Central America
Since 2015, Mexico and Central America have built fragmented, enforcement-heavy migration systems. This report maps gaps and paths toward improved regional cooperation.