The U.S. is a nation of immigrants. But unauthorized immigrants and U.S. immigration policy have become a source of political debate, with Congress and President Obama disagreeing over the best course of action to address issues such as deportations, shielding unauthorized immigrants from deportation, securing the border, and overhauling the nation’s legal immigration system. That debate comes as the U.S. marks the 50th anniversary of the 1965 Immigration Act that has provided the foundation of today’s immigration laws.
For years, the Pew Research Center has estimated the size and characteristics of the U.S. unauthorized immigrant population and surveyed Americans about immigration policy. Here are key findings. Read More >>