Seven Explainers on Critical Immigration Issues in 2021

From the American Immigration Council (https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/):

The American Immigration Council produces research that helps educate millions of Americans on why we need to build a fair, just, and welcoming immigration system.

Here are our 7 most popular explainers that address some of the critical immigration issues of 2021.

1. How the United States Immigration System Works

President Biden inherited an immigration system that underwent hundreds of policy changes in the last few years. This fact sheet provides basic information about how the U.S. legal immigration system is designed to function.

2. Asylum in the United States 

The Biden administration promised to restore access to asylum, but setbacks and a continued focus on deterrence at the border continue to hinder meaningful progress. This fact sheet provides an overview of the U.S. asylum system, including eligibility requirements and the application process.

3. The H-1B Visa Program

2021 saw the largest drop in H-1B visa applications in at least a decade. The ongoing fallout from the pandemic and government inefficiencies spurred the decline. This fact sheet explains why attracting these high-skilled foreign workers is essential for the U.S. labor force.

4. Why Don’t They Just Get In Line? There Is No Line for Many Unauthorized Immigrants

Most undocumented immigrants have lived in the United States for over a decade but have no legal channel available for becoming a U.S. citizen. This fact sheet explains the complications and limitations surrounding the U.S. immigration system.

5. Tracking the Biden Agenda on Immigration Enforcement

At the beginning of his term, President Biden pledged to move away from the harsh enforcement priorities of his predecessor. This special report looks at his progress over the first year and includes recommendations on how to limit immigration detention and establish meaningful enforcement priorities.

6. Rising Border Encounters in 2021: An Overview and Analysis

Policies enacted both under the Trump and Biden administrations continue to influence who comes to our southern border, how they are treated, and who enters the country. This fact sheet provides an extensive analysis of border encounters and apprehensions in 2021.

7. The Facts About the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

Some ITIN holders—who include tax-paying undocumented immigrants—may be eligible to receive a Child Tax Credit, thanks to federal legislation passed earlier this year. The government estimated that as many as four million U.S. citizen children of ITIN holders may benefit from the tax credit. This fact sheet explains how the ITIN works and how to apply for this tax-processing number.