[20200218]IF10520_移民.pdf

https:/crsreports.congress.gov Updated February 18, 2020ImmigrationImmigration is a multifaceted policy issue that involves temporarily or permanently admitting foreign nationals (in statute, aliens) into the United States and enforcing immigration laws. It is a perennial topic of congressional oversight and legislation. In recent years, the executive branch has taken the lead in implementing numerous policy initiatives, invoking discretionary authority conferred by statute. U.S. immigration law uses the term aliens, defined by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to mean persons who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals (e.g., persons born in American Samoa). Aliens are also referred to as noncitizens or foreign nationals. Overview of Key Issues U.S. immigration policy can be divided into three broad areas, involving (1) the permanent or temporary admission of aliens into the United States; (2) the enforcement of laws governing the admission, presence, and employment of aliens in the United States; and (3) noncitizen eligibility for federal, state, and local government programs and benefits. Admission or Entry of Aliens to the United States The INA provides for the admissi