Jessica Bolter
Jessica Bolter was an Associate Policy Analyst with the U.S. Immigration Policy Program at MPI. Her research focused on migration patterns at the U.S.-Mexico border, extracontinental migration in the Americas, immigration enforcement, and asylum and refugee issues.
She previously interned with MPI, the Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights Coalition, the Ohio Commission on Hispanic and Latino Affairs, and the Center for Democracy in the Americas.
Ms. Bolter holds a bachelor’s degree in American studies and Spanish area studies from Kenyon College, where she focused on relations between the United States and Latin America.
Explore Content by Jessica Bolter
Showing 11-20 of 70 total results
It Is Too Simple to Call 2021 a Record Year for Migration at the U.S.-Mexico Border
While there were more encounters of migrants seeking to cross the U.S.-Mexico border without authorization during fiscal 2021 than any prior year, this does not necessarily mean that more migrants were intercepted or illicitly entered the country than was the case 21 years ago, a new commentary explains.
Two Decades after 9/11, National Security Focus Still Dominates U.S. Immigration System
National security continues to shape U.S. immigration policy, driving federal immigration enforcement spending to $25 billion annually.
Refugee Resettlement and Complementary Pathways: Opportunities for growth
Resettlement reaches fewer than 1 percent of refugees annually. To scale protection, labor, education, and sponsorship pathways are being used but face persistent barriers.
Texas Once Again Tests the Boundaries of State Authority in Immigration Enforcement
Texas's unilateral border enforcement measures, such as border wall construction and state and local arrests of unauthorized immigrants, are facing significant legal challenges.
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.
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.
Sentando las bases para una cooperación regional: Política migratoria y capacidad institucional en México y Centroamérica
Desde 2015, México y Centroamérica han ampliado su capacidad migratoria de forma fragmentada y con énfasis en control, dejando brechas en protección y vías legales.
A Bridge to Firmer Ground: Learning from International Experiences to Support Pathways to Solutions in the Syrian Refugee Context
This report draws on international cases to highlight models that could expand Syrian refugees’ access to protection, social safety nets, and education.
Legal Snags and Possible Increases in Border Arrivals Complicate Biden’s Immigration Agenda
Legal challenges, rising border arrivals, and other issues have complicated the Biden administration's early efforts to redirect immigration enforcement and asylum processing.
Back on the Table: U.S. Legalization and the Unauthorized Immigrant Groups that Could Factor in the Debate
With 11 million unauthorized immigrants embedded in U.S. communities, there are legislative and executive options for policymakers to consider to offer durable legal status.
