The Role of Interest Groups in Policy Formulation

In the immigration field, as in most areas of national policy, advocacy groups play an important and sometimes essential role in the policymaking process. Often derided as special interests and accused of opposing the public interest, advocacy organizations are in fact manifestations of the public and give voice to the concerns of specific segments of it. This article will examine how advocacy groups determine policy positions and activities and the nature of their role in the making of public policy on immigration matters

U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform

The U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform was created by Congress to assess U.S. immigration policy and make recommendations regarding its implementation and effects. Mandated in the Immigration Act of 1990 to submit an interim report in 1994 and a final report in 1997, the Commission has undertaken public hearings, fact-finding missions, and expert consultations to identify the major immigration-related issues facing the United States today.LBJ School of Public Affair

Highlights of the U.S. Immigration Act of 1990

The Act is a comprehensive package that institutes a substantial number of new provisions to the Immigration and Nationality Act, with significant modifications made to such divergent topics as family immigration, business immigration, naturalization, and exclusion and deportation grounds and procedures. This Article surveys the changes and highlights those most likely to have a substantial impact on U.S. immigration law, policy, and practice