It's amazing that we're seeing so much exposure on the question of immigrant rights right now, when this is really a matter close to the heart of American democracy itself"”this country was founded by immigrants. What I feel like many people don't realize is that politicians aren't the only ones speaking out loud and clear on this issue. I think that the research carried out by nonprofits in the United States can offer a lot to discussion. Nonprofits often deal with immigrants on a personal basis and see both the struggles and opportunities in these people's lives. Not only do they observe the effects of current policy in the area of immigration, but they drive the formation of new policy at both the macro and micro levels.

In discussing any controversial issue like this one, it's essential to look at the facts behind the stereotypes and hype. For example, of the total number of immigrants in the United States today, how many are legal and how many are illegal? What kind of numbers are we talking about when estimating the costs to the economy by illegal (and legal) immigration? Is it really true that, statistically speaking, immigrants are "stealing" Americans' jobs? What kind of hard and soft goods have immigrants contributed to American society in the past and present? Nonprofits work hard to provide the public with basic facts in answer to these questions, and also spend tons of time researching the pros and cons of current policy.


During this July, a searchable archive called IssueLab will be featuring nonprofit orgs and the research they have produced on the issue of immigration. The Urban Institute, Economic Policy Institute, and the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) are just a couple of nonprofits that have already posted their research online for your perusal. IssueLab serves as a centralized site on which nonprofits can list their research works at no cost, and anyone interested can search and access them. Check out their call for current and historical research on immigration at www.issuelab.com.