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
Following Years of High Border Arrivals, the U.S. Unauthorized Immigrant Population Hits New Peak
MPI estimates the U.S. unauthorized immigrant population reached a new peak of 15.8 million as of mid-2024, after holding steady at around 11 million…
In Its Second Term, Trump Administration Quietly Expands Family Separation
Immigration enforcement during the second Trump term is driving a quieter, more diffuse wave of family separations inside the United States, often…
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…
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)Showing 761–770 of 821 results
Expansive Bipartisan Bill Introduced on the Heels of REAL ID Passage
The 2005 Kennedy-McCain bill in the U.S. Senate proposed 400,000 new low-skilled worker visas, a legalization path for unauthorized immigrants, and family reunification reforms.
Real Challenges for Virtual Borders: The Implementation of US-VISIT
US-VISIT's border security and counterterrorism goals exceed what the program can deliver. Policymakers should consider scaling back expectations and make more effective investments.
U.S. Commits to New Passport Requirements and Beefed-Up Border
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, announced April 2005, would require passports for all travel to the United States from the Americas and Caribbean by end of 2007.
Revisiting the Need for Appointed Counsel
Lack of appointed counsel for noncitizens in deportation proceedings harms case outcomes. This policy brief examines three low-cost models to expand legal representation.
President Reiterates Commitment to Immigration Reform at Summit Meeting
At a March 2005 summit, President George W. Bush reaffirmed his guest-worker proposal while Congress debated restructuring immigration enforcement agencies.
Presidential Budget, State of the Union Address Immigration Issues
President George W. Bush proposed major immigration enforcement increases in his FY 2006 budget.
Supreme Court Addresses Deportation Cases, DHS Undergoes Leadership and Oversight Changes
Two January 2005 U.S. Supreme Court rulings reshaped deportation law.
Intelligence Reformed and Homeland Security Department Overhauled
The December 2004 Intelligence Reform Act expanded border security and visa rules, as DHS faced leadership changes and Arizona's Proposition 200 drew legal challenges.
Elections Bring Policy Changes
Arizona voters passed Proposition 200 limiting immigrant access to public benefits, while U.S. President George W. Bush signaled support for guest worker legislation.
Immigration Reform Tied to Homeland Security Bill
Disagreements over intelligence and immigration provisions stalled a post-9/11 Homeland Security Bill before the November 2004 elections.
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Michelle Mittelstadt
202 266 1910 [email protected]