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 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.
Immigrants and Asylum-Seekers Deserve Humane Alternatives To Detention
Immigrants and asylum-seekers should be provided with community-based case management services rather than placed in invasive surveillance programs that threaten their well-being, civil liberties, and privacy.
The Title 42 Expulsion Policy Does Nothing To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
Issued as a public health measure, there is no statistical evidence that border expulsions under Title 42 result in a lower COVID-19 case rate in the United States.
The Urgency of Designating Cameroon for Temporary Protected Status
The U.S. government should immediately grant Temporary Protected Status to Cameroonian nationals in the United States, given the extraordinary and deteriorating conditions in the country that make a safe return impossible.
2021 Survey of DACA Recipients Underscores the Importance of a Pathway to Citizenship
The seventh annual survey of DACA recipients illustrates DACA’s myriad benefits—as well as why policymakers must create a pathway to citizenship for recipients.
Undocumented immigrants make significant economic contributions and are integral members of communities across the United States; immigration relief is necessary to continue growing the economy and strengthening communities nationwide, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Temporary Protected Status Is Critical To Tackling the Root Causes of Migration in the Americas
Remittances from immigrants, including TPS holders, are an organic and powerful resource that provide people living in the Central American region direct access to basic needs and even economic stability.
Including Immigration Parole in Reconciliation Will Help Millions
While not providing permanent protections, including immigration parole in reconciliation would allow up to 7.1 million undocumented immigrants to gain long-term temporary status while satisfying the objections of the Senate parliamentarian.
Fact Sheet: State-by-State Estimates of Eligibility for a 2010 Immigration Registry Update
Updating the Immigration and Nationality Act’s registry date from 1972 to 2010 would allow millions of undocumented immigrants to access a pathway to citizenship.
Nicole Prchal Svajlenka and Claudia Flores explain how putting undocumented immigrants on a pathway to citizenship can boost the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fact Sheet: State-by-State Estimates of Citizenship in Budget Reconciliation
The proposed House budget reconciliation bill would create a pathway to citizenship for 6.9 million Dreamers, those eligible for Temporary Protected Status, and essential workers—including farmworkers—all while boosting U.S. economy.
A pathway to citizenship could create 400,000 new jobs, but only if Congress acts
Claudia Flores and Nicole Prchal Svajlenka write about how including a pathway to citizenship in the reconciliation bill will help ensure that the economic recovery is both robust and equitable.
The United States Needs a Comprehensive Protection Plan for the Forcibly Displaced in Afghanistan
The Biden administration should lead in developing a human rights-centered plan for the forcibly displaced to mitigate further disaster in Afghanistan.
A Pathway to Citizenship and Economic Growth Through Budget Reconciliation
A pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants benefits the U.S. economy as a whole—and it can be done through the budget reconciliation process.
Redefining Homeland Security: A New Framework for DHS To Meet Today’s Challenges
To meet the challenges of today, the Biden administration and Congress should reform the Department of Homeland Security around a mission that highlights safety and services alongside its traditional protecting roles.
Citizenship for Undocumented Immigrants Would Boost U.S. Economic Growth
Putting undocumented immigrants on a pathway to citizenship would increase U.S. GDP by up to $1.7 trillion over the next decade, raise wages for all Americans, and create hundreds of thousands of new jobs, advancing the country’s economic recovery.
Reinstating the LIFE Act and Eliminating Entry Bars Would Allow Millions of Immigrants To Stay With Their Families
Reinstating the Legal Immigration Family Equity Act or eliminating the three- and 10-year entry bars, or making both changes, would allow many undocumented immigrants to gain legal status.
