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)
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Michelle Mittelstadt
202 266 1910 [email protected]
Showing 801–810 of 819 results
Justice, Homeland Security Departments Announce Changes
In April 2003, U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft authorized indefinite immigrant detention in some cases.
FBI, BICE Interview Iraqi-Born Immigrants; Entry-Exit Rules Changed
U.S. authorities began interviewing thousands of Iraqi immigrants in early 2003, as part of an effort to identify domestic security threats.
Immigration Policy and the Homeland Security Act Reorganization: An Early Agenda for Practical Improvements
The rushed reorganization of immigration functions post-9/11 created gaps requiring fixes to unify policy and operational coordination in the new Department of Homeland Security.
America's Challenge: Domestic Security, Civil Liberties, and National Unity After September 11
This landmark study examines how post-9/11 security measures eroded civil liberties and national unity. It proposes a framework balancing security with constitutional protections.
Revamped Homeland Security Department to Incorporate INS Duties
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) absorbed the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) on March 1, 2003, dividing its responsibilities across three new bureaus.
Women Immigrants in the United States
Women immigrants face distinct legal and social barriers—from domestic violence to post-9/11 policies—yet remain understudied despite being the majority of legal arrivals.
Census 2010 and the Foreign Born: Averting the Data Crisis
With the proposed end of the U.S. Census Bureau’s decennial long form in 2010, what are the implications for the study of immigrant populations?
INS Continues Registering Foreign Nationals, Ridge Sworn in to Head DHS
In early 2003, the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) Special Registration reached round three; the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was formally created on January 24.
Ridge Tapped to Head Homeland Security Department
In early 2003, the new U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) took shape with Tom Ridge named secretary.
Homeland Security Department Gets Green Light
President George W. Bush signed a law on November 25, 2002 to abolish the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and create the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).