Immigration Policy: Overview of Current Law and Legislative Proposals

This report provides a comprehensive overview of current U.S. immigration law, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and its amendments. It addresses legal immigration categories, visa classifications, and the employment-based and family-based immigration systems that form the backbone of lawful entry to the United States.

The report also examines recent legislative proposals to reform the immigration system, including pathways to legal status for undocumented individuals, border security enhancements, and changes to the asylum process. It analyzes the fiscal and economic impacts of various reform proposals as estimated by the Congressional Budget Office.

Key areas of debate include the annual cap on H-1B visas, the diversity visa lottery program, and the treatment of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients under proposed legislation.