U.S. Immigration

RapidImmigration.com offers a narrative history of U.S. immigration. Scroll down to read “Significant Historic Dates in U.S. Immigration” for a timeline of pivotal events.

The Library of Congress presents an educational overview of American immigration. You’ll find history, interviews with immigrants and a wealth of links to other educational sites on the history of U.S. immigration.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is the best place to find U.S. immigration documents. Go to “Laws, Regulations and Guides” to read about immigration benefits and important legal information.

United States Immigration Support has all of the immigration documents required to apply for U.S. citizenship. You’ll also find information about extending your stay in America if you currently have a temporary visa (as is often the case with students). This site provides information on the tests and qualifications needed to become a U.S. citizen, and features the latest news on immigration reform and laws.

The U.S. Census Bureau provides “demographic, social, economic, geographic, and housing information on the foreign-born population in the United States.” You’ll also find estimates of future immigration numbers and population projections.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is a branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This organization is dedicated to border security. On the homepage, you’ll find links to coverage of national security issues associated with illegal immigration. Visit “Public Information” for news releases, annual reports and other topics of interest.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is another branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The organization explains how the U.S. government protects its citizens and legal immigrants by securing U.S. borders. Visit the “CBP Border Security Spotlight” to learn more about the organization’s specific initiatives.

The United States Department of Justice Executive Office for Immigration Review is dedicated to the legal issues facing individual immigrants. Visit “Immigration Courts Nationwide” to find immigration courts across the country, or go to “Statistics and Publications” for political asylum statistics, the manuals and instructions that govern immigration law and more.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is dedicated to many humanitarian causes, including the rights of U.S. immigrants and refugees. The group works to ensure that non-Americans are also treated fairly under constitutional American law. Visit “The ACLU’s Immigrants’ Rights Project,” to learn about the group’s immigration initiatives.

Americans for Immigration Control seeks to stop illegal immigrants from crossing the Mexican border. The group advocates deporting any illegal immigrants currently in the United States, and opposes any amnesty program. Visit “Solutions Supported by AIC” for a short list of suggestions for dealing with certain immigration issues.

The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) is an organization that encourages Americans to contact their local lawmakers to promote immigration reform. Visit “Get Legislative Updates” to register with the site and stay informed with weekly e-mail updates. Or go to “Policy and Legislation” to download PDFs of recent immigration decisions by Congress.

The Immigration Policy Center , part of the American Immigration Law Foundation, publishes thoughtful, detailed analysis of policy and immigration data.

Public Agenda is a nonpartisan group that seeks to inform the public on data and policy. The “Immigration” section of this Web site provides a well-rounded overview of public opinion and immigration issues: for example, visit “Bills and Proposals” to read about the public response to proposed immigration measures.

The Center for Immigration Studies is an independent research organization whose opinions about immigration tend to be conservative. Its official Web site provides current and historical data about immigration, and covers major issues associated with immigration, such as “Wages and Poverty.”

The Migration Policy Institute (MPI) is an immigration think tank with a slightly left-of-center bias. MPI provides information about U.S. immigration from around the world, unlike many immigration organizations that stress the U.S. relationship with Mexico.