immigration
The United States has long been shaped by immigration, which remains a major source of population growth, economic development, and cultural change.
general notes
as of January 2025, the U.S. has the largest immigrant population in the world
immigration has contributed significantly to demographic shifts and labour force development
U.S. immigration policy is shaped by both federal legislation and executive actions
immigration continues to be a prominent topic in American political debate and policymaking
early immigration laws
Chinese immigration increased after the California Gold Rush
Page Act of 1875: first federal immigration law, banned Chinese women suspected of prostitution
Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882: banned Chinese labourers from entering the U.S.
Immigration Act of 1917: expanded restrictions to other Asian countries, as well as homosexuals and people with intellectual disabilities
modern immigration reforms
Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965: ended national origins quota system, emphasized family reunification and skilled immigration; led to increased immigration from Asia and support for STEM fields
1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act (signed by President Reagan): granted amnesty to roughly 3 million undocumented immigrants
Immigration Act of 1990 (signed by President George H.W. Bush): increased legal immigration by 40%
in the 1990s, the U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform recommended reducing legal immigration from 800,000 to 550,000 annually
Republican president who served from 1981 to 1989
Republican president who served from 1989 to 1993
presidential administrations
Trump administration (2017-2021)
expanded immigration enforcement:
240,255 removals in FY 2016
226,119 in FY 2017
256,085 in FY 2018
executive orders:
temporarily suspended entry from seven Muslim-majority countries (later revised and upheld by Supreme
Court)
ordered immediate construction of a U.S.-Mexico border wall, 438 miles built by end of term
called for hiring 5,000 border patrol agents and 10,000 immigration officers
zero tolerance policy: led to separation of children from adults crossing the border unlawfully
Biden administration (2021-2025)
resumed and modified some border wall projects, including filling gaps in Arizona due to high crossing rates launched program allowing 30,000 migrants per month from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, while also expelling those who violate immigration laws
supported Border Security and Asylum Reform measures:
bipartisan legislation with Republican support
speeds up asylum application reviews by trained officers
new “removal proceedings” require stronger evidence at initial screening
establishes emergency expulsion authority
provides $18.3 billion for the Department of Homeland Security
party views
democrats, in general....
support pathways to legal status or citizenship for undocumented immigrants
favour accepting more refugees and protecting asylum rights
advocate for secure borders but prefer humane enforcement over strict measures like border walls
emphasize making the legal immigration system more fair and efficient
republicans, in general....
prioritize strict border security and enforcement
oppose amnesty and argue it may incentivize unauthorized immigration
favour reducing legal immigration and emphasizing skills-based entry
are more cautious about accepting refugees and asylum seekers