U.S. Immigration Policy Program
The U.S. Immigration Policy Program provides thought leadership on ways to improve the U.S. immigration system so that it works most effectively in the national interest. To that end, its work focuses on immigration pathways to the United States and immigration enforcement policies and their impacts. It examines the complex demographic, economic, social, political, foreign policy, and other forces that shape U.S. immigration.
Program staff produce data and analyses of immigration trends and the characteristics of U.S. immigrant populations, including unauthorized immigrants. And they conduct original research on the impacts of policy change and the experiences of immigrant populations in diverse parts of the country. This work is frequently informed by private convenings of policymakers and key stakeholders. For more, click here.
Featured
The Immigration Debate America Needs—and Is Not Having
Immigration is central to America’s economic future, yet debate fixates on border crises and policy failures instead of how a modern legal…
Trump Restrictions on Legal Immigration Could Sharply Reduce U.S. Population Growth
President Donald Trump's second-term curbs on legal immigration, spanning visas, refugees, and family reunification, could meaningfully slow U.S…
More Featured Work
Key Statistics
Learn more about immigrants and immigration to the United States
14.8%
The immigrant share of the total U.S. population
Learn how this share has evolved (opens in a new tab)50.2 million
The number of immigrants in the United States
Explore Data Profiles by State (opens in a new tab)18.4%
The share of workers in the U.S. civilian labor force who are immigrants
Get the data at U.S. and state levels (opens in a new tab)- General Inquiries
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Michelle Mittelstadt
202 266 1910 [email protected]
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How Changes to Family Immigration Could Affect Source Countries' Sending Patterns
A proposal before Congress in 2007 would shift immigration to the United States from family-based toward points-based employment visas, reshaping who can immigrate.
After Long Negotiations, Senate Takes Up Immigration Reform Again
In May 2007, the U.S. Senate reopened immigration reform talks around legalization, worker programs, enforcement triggers, and unresolved family visa disputes.
Proposed Points System and Its Likely Impact on Prospective Immigrants
According to 2005 survey data, Asian immigrants would fare best under a proposed U.S. points-based admission system, while Latin American immigrants face greater barriers.
Annual Immigration to the United States: The Real Numbers
By excluding long-term temporary visa holders and others likely to settle in the United States indefinitely, official reporting of lawful permanent residence undercounts true annual immigration.
Congress and White House Release Competing Proposals for Immigration Reform
In early 2007, U.S. congressional and White House immigration proposals clashed over unauthorized immigrants, temporary workers, and the weight of family ties versus merit.
President Agrees to Delay of Real ID Act Requirements
In March 2007, the Bush administration proposed allowing extensions of the Real ID deadline to 2009 as Congress stalled on immigration reform.
President Calls for $13 Billion in Border and Enforcement Funding in 2008
President George W. Bush's FY 2008 budget requested $13 billion for immigration enforcement, while the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) proposed fee hikes.
New Congress Takes First Steps toward Immigration Reform
In early 2007, the new Democratic U.S. Congress pushed comprehensive immigration reform.
Elections Improve Odds for Immigration Reform in 2007
The 2006 U.S. midterm elections shifted Congress to Democratic control and improved prospects for comprehensive immigration reform.
President Signs DHS Appropriations and Secure Fence Act, New Detainee Bill Has Repercussions for Noncitizens
U.S. President George W. Bush signed the Secure Fence Act and the Military Commissions Act, authorizing border fencing and indefinite detention of noncitizen enemy combatants.