Rights and Justice

Immigration Policy

We aim to create a fair, humane, and workable immigration system in the United States through comprehensive data analysis, research, and advocacy.

People hold signs during a rally in support of the Supreme Court's ruling in favor of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, in San Diego, June 2020. (Getty/Sandy Huffaker/AFP)

What We're Doing

Fight for citizenship for undocumented immigrants

We seek nothing less than winning a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and have built a body of work on the economic impacts and demographics of the undocumented community. Through data, advocacy, campaigns, and storytelling, we push Congress and the administration to take action.

Defend, protect, and expand protection for Dreamers

We provide data, analysis, and advocacy on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients to help defend and protect the program, highlighting the advances these individuals have made in the United States to help build support for the program and expand protections.

 

Rebuild and reform the refugee and asylum systems

We promote ways to rebuild and expand protections for refugees and propose ideas to reform the asylum system. This includes supporting resettlement of displaced persons—such as Afghanis—and other asylum-seekers.

Build a more fair, humane, and workable immigration system

We highlight the integral role that immigrants play across the United States and work to reimagine what a functioning immigration system would look like, including by rethinking immigration enforcement and border management, as well as visa policy.

The Immigration Policy team aims to create a fair, humane, and workable immigration system in the United States through comprehensive data analysis, research, and advocacy.

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Featured work

About our team

The Immigration Policy team develops and promotes effective solutions to complex immigration challenges and fights for the rights of immigrants and refugees. Our team of policy experts in immigration and other intersectional areas, along with a robust communication and outreach apparatus, and a network of partners across the progressive movement are instrumental in ensuring that immigration priorities are championed at the state and federal levels.

Latest

Compact View

2023 Survey of DACA Recipients Highlights Economic Advancement, Continued Uncertainty Amid Legal Limbo Article
A group of people holding signs is seen with the U.S. Capitol building in the background.

2023 Survey of DACA Recipients Highlights Economic Advancement, Continued Uncertainty Amid Legal Limbo

The ninth annual survey of DACA recipients illustrates DACA’s role in empowering individuals and communities while strengthening the U.S. economy and highlights the need for a pathway to citizenship.

To Resolve the Humanitarian and Administrative Border Crisis, the U.S. Must Fix the Broken Asylum System, Help Stabilize the Western Hemisphere, and Provide Robust, Orderly Migration Pathways Article
Sunlight his the U.S. Capitol dome.

To Resolve the Humanitarian and Administrative Border Crisis, the U.S. Must Fix the Broken Asylum System, Help Stabilize the Western Hemisphere, and Provide Robust, Orderly Migration Pathways

The just-released Senate border deal is a sincere, bipartisan attempt to create much needed order at the U.S.-Mexico border; release pressure on the broken asylum system, resource agencies, and communities; and provide other targeted solutions across the immigration system. However, to achieve and sustain order at the border, Congress must more boldly address what drives migration in the region and must create accessible lawful pathways that are an alternative to asylum.

2023 CAP IDEAS Conference Past Event
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2023 CAP IDEAS Conference

Join the Center for American Progress as we celebrate 20 years of innovative policy solutions and look boldly forward to a progressive future.

Opinion: A smart and humane answer on immigration

Opinion: A smart and humane answer on immigration

Tom Jawetz and researchers from Texas A&M and the University of Virginia argue that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations may decrease some of the push factors that are causing Venezuelans and others to come to the United States.

CNN

Ben Helms, David Leblang, Tom Jawetz

Executive Summary: A Whole-of-Government, Society-Wide Approach to Tackling the Opioid Crisis Fact Sheet

Executive Summary: A Whole-of-Government, Society-Wide Approach to Tackling the Opioid Crisis

This fact sheet summarizes a recent Center for American Progress report outlining the need for a whole-of-government, society-wide approach to addressing the complex challenges posed by the opioid overdose epidemic.

Tackling the Opioid Crisis Requires a Whole-of-Government, Society-Wide Approach Report
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents sift through packages in search of fentanyl.

Tackling the Opioid Crisis Requires a Whole-of-Government, Society-Wide Approach

The opioid epidemic is a complex public health crisis that can be ameliorated by addressing root causes of drug use; expanding access to treatment and harm reduction strategies; and reducing the supply of illicit opioids entering the United States.

Practical Solutions To Assist Cities and States Receiving Asylum-Seekers Across the U.S. Report
Migrants, who boarded a bus in Texas, are dropped off within view of the U.S. Capitol building.

Practical Solutions To Assist Cities and States Receiving Asylum-Seekers Across the U.S.

The uncoordinated busing and relocation of migrants and asylum-seekers poses various challenges to receiving cities and states across the country; but practical solutions at the local, state, and federal levels can turn these challenges into opportunities.

Zefitret Abera Molla

Improving Language Access in the U.S. Asylum System Report

Improving Language Access in the U.S. Asylum System

The lack of adequate interpretation and translation services for asylum-seekers who are not proficient in English impedes their ability to navigate the complex immigration system.

Zefitret Abera Molla

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