Through the Prism of National Security: Major Immigration Policy and Program Changes in the Decade since 9/11
Since 9/11, U.S. immigration has been reshaped around national security, with the creation of DHS, expanded data sharing, nationality-based screening, and higher enforcement.
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 prompted the profound realignment of the U.S. immigration system, with national security and enforcement the dominant lens through which programs and budgets have been shaped over the past decade. The post-9/11 era has witnessed the largest government reorganization since World War II; increased information sharing and data collection across international, federal, state, and local law enforcement and intelligence agencies; the broad use of nationality-based screening and enforcement initiatives; the expansion of immigrant detention policies; and exponential increases in funding for homeland security-related immigration programs.
This fact sheet details the policy, programmatic, budget, and manpower changes that have happened in the immigration arena as an outgrowth of the 9/11 attacks.
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
II. Creation of the Department of Homeland Security
III. New Intelligence/Counterterrorism Dimensions in the Immigration Mission
IV. Border Enforcement
V. Interior Enforcement
VI. Conclusion
About the U.S. Immigration Policy Program
The U.S. Immigration Policy Program provides analysis of U.S. immigration pathways, the impacts of enforcement and other policies, and the characteristics of immigrant populations.
