Legal immigration Policy of US
Here are the Legal Immigration Policy of United States:
| Aspect of Immigration Policy | Description |
|---|---|
| Basis of Immigration System | The US immigration system is founded on the Nationality Act of 1965 and the Immigration Act of 1990 (INA). |
| Administration | Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) are responsible for processing immigration applications and managing the immigration process. |
| Annual Immigrant Visas | The INA permits the US to grant approximately 675,000 permanent immigrant visas each year, excluding admissions for immediate relatives of US citizens. |
| Visa Policy | Prospective immigrants must apply for and be accepted for a travel visa. Green cards designate individuals as lawful permanent residents, with approximately one million green cards granted annually. |
| Green Card Recipients | Between 2013 and 2017, green card recipients included immediate relatives of American citizens (45%), family-sponsored immigrants (21%), employment-based immigrants (14%), and refugees (13%). Additionally, the Diversity Immigrant Visa program grants 55,000 green cards annually. |
| Nonimmigrant Visa Categories | Various nonimmigrant visa categories exist for short-term stays, including tourist, immigration, student, and work visas. |
| Refugee Admissions | The Refugee Act of 1980 governs asylum policy, recognizing refugees as individuals with a “well-founded fear of persecution.” The US accepts refugees annually through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, with adjustments to the annual cap as needed. |
| Naturalization Process | Naturalization is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Acts of 1952 and 1965 and overseen by CIS. Eligible applicants must meet age, residency, language, and civics requirements, undergo an interview and pass English and civics tests, and take the Oath of Allegiance. |
| Trends and Statistics | During the 2010s, over 7.3 million immigrants were naturalized, with common countries of origin including Mexico, India, the Philippines, Cuba, and China. |
| Policy Evolution | The US has periodically adjusted its asylum policy to accommodate refugees from various regions, with significant changes observed under different administrations, such as the Trump and Biden administrations. |
Immigration Policy of US
The immigration policy of the United States governs the entry and legal status of foreign nationals within its borders. It encompasses laws, regulations, and procedures that determine who is eligible to enter, stay, and work in the country.
Shaped by historical precedent, economic needs, and political considerations, US immigration policy is a complex and evolving framework that plays a crucial role in shaping the nation’s demographics, economy, and social fabric.