E.g., 06/07/2026
E.g., 06/07/2026
Border Security

Border Security

Border Enforcement
Smuggling & Trafficking
Technology & Infrastructure
CBPagent mexborder

In an era when countries are increasingly exposed to the opportunities and risks associated with the rising global movement of people, policymakers are rethinking approaches to border controls and border management. These policies and programs run the gamut—from facilitating legitimate mobility of people and trade to thwarting unauthorized movements, the latter a significant preoccupation in the post-9/11 era and as publics have become ever less accepting of unauthorized immigration. The research offered here examines the management of borders, enforcement policies and initiatives, and border security technologies.

Recent Activity

The backs of two people on a motorbike; above them a sign notes the Guatemala border
Articles
May 20, 2026
How Immigration Crackdowns and Aid Cuts Are Reshaping Migration Across Central America
By Pía Riggirozzi and Natalia Cintra
People walk in front of Tower Bridge in London.
Articles
April 24, 2026
Chasing Public Opinion, UK Immigration Policy Has Swung Cyclically
By Alexander Kustov and Caitlyn Yates
A crowd in Benin City, Nigeria. (Photo: IOM/Agara Barinedum)
Articles
April 8, 2026
Nigeria Aims to Capitalize on Regional Integration amid Evolving Emigration Patterns
By Samuel Okunade
Immigrants take the oath of allegiance during a naturalization ceremony.
Articles
March 12, 2026
Frequently Requested Statistics on Immigrants and Immigration in the United States
By Jeanne Batalova
Anti-refugee activists in Austria.
Articles
January 28, 2026
What Drives Anti-Migrant Vigilantes
By Matthijs Gardenier
President Trump and Secretary Noem visit Alligator Alcatraz
Multimedia
January 13, 2026
Beyond “Shock and Awe”: Immigration Actions in the First Year under Trump 2.0
President Donald Trump addresses the nation.
Articles
January 13, 2026
Unleashing Power in New Ways: Immigration in the First Year of Trump 2.0
By Muzaffar Chishti, Kathleen Bush-Joseph, and Colleen Putzel-Kavanaugh
Cover image for To Leave or Stay?
Reports
December 2025
To Leave or Stay? Examining the Role of Counseling and Reintegration Assistance in the Return Decision-Making of Migrants Ordered to Leave the Netherlands
By  Ravenna Sohst, Camille Le Coz and Hanne Beirens
More
Cover image for To Leave or Stay?
Reports
December 2025
To Leave or Stay? Examining the Role of Counseling and Reintegration Assistance in the Return Decision-Making of Migrants Ordered to Leave the Netherlands
By  Ravenna Sohst, Camille Le Coz and Hanne Beirens
Cover image for Small Boats, Big Stakes
Policy Briefs
June 2025
Small Boats, Big Stakes: Options for a UK-EU Deal on Migration and Asylum
By  Meghan Benton, Susan Fratzke and Nurbanu Hayır
Cover image for Facing New Migration Realities...
Policy Briefs
May 2025
Facing New Migration Realities: U.S.-Mexico Relations and Shared Interests
By  Ariel G. Ruiz Soto, Doris Meissner and Andrew Selee
Cover image for Towards the More Effective Use of Irregular Migration Data...
Policy Briefs
December 2024
Towards the More Effective Use of Irregular Migration Data in Policymaking
By  Jasmijn Slootjes and Ravenna Sohst
Cover image for The End of Asylum?
Reports
July 2024
The End of Asylum? Evolving the Protection System to Meet 21st Century Challenges
By  Susan Fratzke, Meghan Benton, Andrew Selee, Emma Dorst and Samuel Davidoff-Gore
Cover image for Managing International Protection Needs at Borders
Reports
July 2024
Managing International Protection Needs at Borders
By  Lucía Salgado, Susan Fratzke, Lawrence Huang and Emma Dorst
Cover image for The State of Global Mobility in the Aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Reports
April 2024
The State of Global Mobility in the Aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic
By  Meghan Benton, Lawrence Huang, Jeanne Batalova and Tino Tirado
Cover image for Lessons from COVID-19
Policy Briefs
March 2024
Lessons from COVID-19: Managing Borders in the Next Global Public-Health Crisis
By  Meghan Benton and Lawrence Huang
More
The backs of two people on a motorbike; above them a sign notes the Guatemala border
Feature
May 20, 2026
How Immigration Crackdowns and Aid Cuts Are Reshaping Migration Across Central America

Migration patterns from and through Central America are changing in fundamental ways amid rising immigration enforcement and a reduction in global humanitarian aid. These twin developments are putting new pressures on governments in the region and reshaping migrant experiences, as this article explores.

People walk in front of Tower Bridge in London.
Feature
April 24, 2026
Chasing Public Opinion, UK Immigration Policy Has Swung Cyclically

UK immigration policy has often followed public mood on the issue. While attitudes have remained generally steady, the issue’s salience—how important people feel it to be—has risen and fallen, often in response to major news coverage or periods of highly visible migration. This article describes how UK labor migration policies have followed public attitude since 2010.

A crowd in Benin City, Nigeria. (Photo: IOM/Agara Barinedum)
Profile
April 8, 2026
Nigeria Aims to Capitalize on Regional Integration amid Evolving Emigration Patterns

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and one of its largest economies, sits at the crossroads of the continent’s migration landscape. As both a regional immigration hub and an origin for significant emigration, the country contends with a wide range of migration issues that have evolved over time. This country profile situates Nigeria's migration trends and policies.

Immigrants take the oath of allegiance during a naturalization ceremony.
Spotlight
March 12, 2026
Frequently Requested Statistics on Immigrants and Immigration in the United States

This essential resource offers top statistics about immigration, immigrants, and the immigration system in the United States, drawing on authoritative sources and the latest data available. The article offers insights on the size and characteristics of the immigrant population, the scope of temporary and permanent immigration via all pathways, enforcement actions, and much more.

Anti-refugee activists in Austria.
Feature
January 28, 2026
What Drives Anti-Migrant Vigilantes

In recent years, vigilante groups opposed to immigration have formed to conduct patrols, stage parades, and even commit violence against asylum seekers and other migrants in Europe, North America, and other regions. Vigilantes often claim that the government has been soft on irregular migration and use performative, symbolically heavy imagery to sway public opinion. This article traces the trends in vigilante movements targeting migrants.

More
Image of U.S.-Mexico border wall and Border Patrol boat
Short Reads
October 2025
A New Era of Immigration Enforcement Unfolds in the U.S. Interior and at the Border under Trump 2.0
By  Ariel G. Ruiz Soto
Fencing and a "no trespassing" sign at the U.S.-Mexico border
Short Reads
June 2025
Can Near-Historic Low Migrant Encounter Levels at the U.S.-Mexico Border Be Sustained?
By  Colleen Putzel-Kavanaugh
Photo of migrants in line at port of entry in Brownsville awaiting possible entry
Short Reads
February 2025
The Unauthorized Immigrant Population Expands amid Record U.S.-Mexico Border Arrivals
By  Jennifer Van Hook, Ariel G. Ruiz Soto and Julia Gelatt
Montage of photos of Presidents Sheinbaum and Trump
Short Reads
February 2025
Amid Tariff Threats, Migration Management Is Key to the Evolving Trump-Sheinbaum Relationship
By  Ariel G. Ruiz Soto and Andrew Selee
Montaje de fotos de los presidentes Sheinbaum y Trump
Short Reads
February 2025
Entre amenazas arancelarias, la gestión de la migración es clave para la evolución de la relación Trump-Sheinbaum
By  Ariel G. Ruiz Soto and Andrew Selee
Migrants and community members at a local clinic in Panama
Short Reads
December 2024
Legal Pathways and Enforcement: What the U.S. Safe Mobility Strategy Can Teach Europe about Migration Management
By  Susan Fratzke, Meghan Benton and Andrew Selee
Leaders at 2023 U.S.-Mexico High-Level Security Dialogue
Short Reads
October 2024
The Nascent Architecture for Managing U.S. Border Arrivals Shows Promise
By  Andrew Selee and Doris Meissner
CBP agent at San Ysidro port of entry
Short Reads
October 2024
With New Strategies At and Beyond the U.S. Border, Migrant Encounters Plunge
By  Colleen Putzel-Kavanaugh and Ariel G. Ruiz Soto
A German border sign next to a road
Short Reads
September 2024
Germany, and Maybe the European Union, Are at a Migration Crossroads
By  Hanne Beirens, Susan Fratzke and Camille Le Coz
A DACA recipient speaks at a DACA 12th anniversary event at the White House
Short Reads
July 2024
Diverse Flows Drive Increase in U.S. Unauthorized Immigrant Population
By  Ariel G. Ruiz Soto, Julia Gelatt and Jennifer Van Hook
More
A judge's gavel with multicolor background
Explainers
October 2024

Explainer: Immigrants and Crime in the United States

A significant and growing body of research at U.S., state, and local levels demonstrates that immigrants commit crimes at lower rates than the U.S.-born population. This explainer delves into the key takeaways and also looks at the screening process for new arrivals.

Explainer IllegalImmigration Art
Explainers
April 2019

Explainer: Illegal Immigration in the United States

How has the size of the unauthorized population in the United States changed over time? How is illegal immigration changing, and where do unauthorized immigrants come from? This explainer answers basic questions about illegal immigration, the changing patterns from Mexico, and more.

President Trump and Secretary Noem visit Alligator Alcatraz
Video, Audio
January 13, 2026

Beyond “Shock and Awe”: Immigration Actions in the First Year under Trump 2.0

MPI analysts assess the immigration actions taken during President Trump's first year back in office, detail the legal state of play, and analyze the actual effects on the labor market, U.S. communities, and future immigration to the United States.

Afghan Resettlement Programme
Video
September 10, 2025

Immigration and Democracy: Rebuilding Trust in a Changing Europe

This discussion, held in Berlin in collaboration with the Robert Bosch Stiftung, examines the relationship between migration policy, integration approaches, public trust, and democratic resilience in Europe and beyond.

Book-On the Move: Rapidly Evolving Migration Trends and Policies in Latin America and the Caribbean
Video
September 8, 2025

En movimiento: Realidades migratorias en rápida transformación en América Latina y el Caribe

Esta conversación oportuna y provocadora sobre la migración en las Américas presenta los principales hallazgos de los autores, patrones sorprendentes y las urgentes preguntas de política pública que enfrenta hoy América Latina y el Caribe.  

Can AI Predict Climate Migration?
Expert Q&A, Audio
May 29, 2025

Can AI Predict Climate Migration?

Does AI have a role to play in mapping and predicting climate migration trends? This episode of the Changing Climate, Changing Migration podcast speaks with John Aoga, a postdoctoral researcher at UCLouvain in Belgium.

President Trump Addresses Joint Session of Congress - March 4, 2025
Video, Audio
April 24, 2025

Immigration Actions in First 100 Days of Trump Second Term

Top analysts assess the most consequential immigration actions taken during the first 100 days of President Trump's second term, detail the litigation picture, and analyze some of the early effects of policies on U.S. communities.

More

Recent Activity

Articles
May 20, 2026

How Immigration Crackdowns and Aid Cuts Are Reshaping Migration Across Central America

Migration patterns from and through Central America are changing in fundamental ways amid rising immigration enforcement and a reduction in global humanitarian aid. These twin developments are putting new pressures on governments in the region and reshaping migrant experiences, as this article explores.

Articles
April 24, 2026

Chasing Public Opinion, UK Immigration Policy Has Swung Cyclically

UK immigration policy has often followed public mood on the issue. While attitudes have remained generally steady, the issue’s salience—how important people feel it to be—has risen and fallen, often in response to major news coverage or periods of highly visible migration. This article describes how UK labor migration policies have followed public attitude since 2010.

Articles
April 8, 2026

Nigeria Aims to Capitalize on Regional Integration amid Evolving Emigration Patterns

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and one of its largest economies, sits at the crossroads of the continent’s migration landscape. As both a regional immigration hub and an origin for significant emigration, the country contends with a wide range of migration issues that have evolved over time. This country profile situates Nigeria's migration trends and policies.

Articles
March 12, 2026

Frequently Requested Statistics on Immigrants and Immigration in the United States

This essential resource offers top statistics about immigration, immigrants, and the immigration system in the United States, drawing on authoritative sources and the latest data available. The article offers insights on the size and characteristics of the immigrant population, the scope of temporary and permanent immigration via all pathways, enforcement actions, and much more.

Articles
January 28, 2026

What Drives Anti-Migrant Vigilantes

In recent years, vigilante groups opposed to immigration have formed to conduct patrols, stage parades, and even commit violence against asylum seekers and other migrants in Europe, North America, and other regions. Vigilantes often claim that the government has been soft on irregular migration and use performative, symbolically heavy imagery to sway public opinion. This article traces the trends in vigilante movements targeting migrants.

Video, Audio, Webinars
January 13, 2026

Beyond “Shock and Awe”: Immigration Actions in the First Year under Trump 2.0

MPI analysts assess the immigration actions taken during President Trump's first year back in office, detail the legal state of play, and analyze the actual effects on the labor market, U.S. communities, and future immigration to the United States.

Articles
January 13, 2026

Unleashing Power in New Ways: Immigration in the First Year of Trump 2.0

U.S. immigration policy, practice, and enforcement changed dramatically over the first year of President Donald Trump's second term, touching most corners of the immigration system. The government has cracked down on unauthorized immigration in the U.S. interior and at the border, expanded scrutiny of immigrants of all legal statuses, and erected barriers for would-be arrivals. This article provides a sweeping overview of the changes that have taken place and assesses their impacts.

Reports
December 2025

To Leave or Stay? Examining the Role of Counseling and Reintegration Assistance in the Return Decision-Making of Migrants Ordered to Leave the Netherlands

Policymakers across the European Union are seeking ways to incentivize third-country nationals with return orders to comply and voluntarily depart. This study examines whether and how two such measures—return counselling and reintegration assistance—can play a role in migrant decision-making, taking the Netherlands as a case study.

More