Center for Immigration Studies
Center for Immigration Studies (CIS)[edit]
The Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) is a non-profit, non-partisan research organization that focuses on issues related to immigration policy in the United States. Founded in 1985, the center conducts research and analysis on the social, economic, and fiscal impacts of immigration. It advocates for policies that reduce immigration levels and promote a more selective immigration system that prioritizes national interests.
History[edit]
The Center for Immigration Studies was founded in 1985 by John Tanton, a prominent figure in the U.S. immigration debate, with the goal of providing evidence-based research and analysis on the impact of immigration on American society. CIS was established to promote informed public discourse and provide policymakers with data-driven insights into immigration issues.
Over the years, CIS has become one of the leading organizations in the U.S. advocating for stricter immigration policies. It has published numerous reports and studies on topics such as immigration enforcement, illegal immigration, refugee resettlement, and the economic impact of immigration. The center is often cited by policymakers, media outlets, and academic researchers on issues related to immigration policy.
Mission[edit]
The mission of the Center for Immigration Studies is to provide research, data, and analysis that inform the national debate on immigration. CIS advocates for policies that prioritize the interests of American citizens and emphasize national security, economic stability, and the integrity of U.S. borders.
CIS's goals include:
- Providing evidence-based analysis on the impact of immigration on the economy, public services, and national security.
- Advocating for policies that reduce overall immigration levels and promote better enforcement of immigration laws.
- Ensuring that immigration policy serves the best interests of American workers, communities, and taxpayers.
Research Areas and Programs[edit]
CIS conducts research in several key areas related to immigration policy:
- **Immigration and the U.S. Economy**: CIS conducts research on the economic impact of immigration, including its effects on wages, job markets, and public services. The center examines both legal and illegal immigration and their fiscal effects on federal, state, and local governments.
- **Immigration Enforcement and Border Security**: The center advocates for stricter immigration enforcement, including stronger border security measures, enhanced visa tracking, and the enforcement of immigration laws. CIS conducts research on U.S. immigration enforcement agencies, such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and their effectiveness in preventing illegal immigration.
- **Illegal Immigration**: CIS focuses extensively on the issue of illegal immigration, publishing studies on border security, the costs associated with illegal immigration, and the challenges posed by undocumented immigrants. The center advocates for policies that reduce illegal immigration through stronger enforcement measures.
- **Refugee and Asylum Policy**: The center conducts research on U.S. refugee and asylum policies, including the screening process, resettlement programs, and the economic and social impacts of resettling refugees. CIS advocates for policies that prioritize the needs of U.S. citizens and legal immigrants in the refugee resettlement process.
- **Immigrant Integration and Assimilation**: CIS studies the integration of immigrants into U.S. society, focusing on issues such as language acquisition, education, and the role of immigrants in American culture. The center promotes policies that encourage immigrant assimilation while also advocating for policies that limit the number of immigrants entering the U.S.
- **Legal Immigration**: The center examines the legal immigration system, including family-based and employment-based immigration. It advocates for reforms that reduce overall immigration levels and increase the selection of immigrants based on the economic needs of the U.S.
- **Demographic Changes and Immigration**: CIS analyzes the demographic impact of immigration on U.S. society, including population growth, urbanization, and shifts in cultural and social dynamics.
Leadership[edit]
The Center for Immigration Studies is led by a Director and a Board of Directors. The leadership team includes experts in immigration policy, economics, and national security who provide strategic direction for the organization’s research and advocacy efforts.
As of March 2025, the Director of CIS is Mark Krikorian, a prominent voice in the U.S. immigration debate. Krikorian has been the executive director of the center since 1992 and is known for his strong advocacy for reducing immigration levels and promoting policies that prioritize American workers and security.
Influence and Impact[edit]
CIS is one of the leading organizations advocating for stricter immigration policies and has had a significant impact on U.S. immigration policy discussions. Its research is regularly cited by policymakers, journalists, and academic researchers, and it has been influential in shaping the national debate on immigration issues.
The center’s advocacy for reduced immigration levels has been supported by some members of Congress and conservative policymakers, and its studies on the economic and social costs of immigration have contributed to broader discussions on immigration reform.
CIS is also involved in public outreach and education, providing testimony before Congress, submitting policy recommendations, and participating in media discussions on immigration-related topics.
Publications and Resources[edit]
The Center for Immigration Studies publishes a variety of reports, policy briefs, articles, and data resources to inform its advocacy and research. Some of its key publications include:
- **CIS Reports**: In-depth research reports that cover a wide range of immigration-related topics, including the economic impact of immigration, illegal immigration, and enforcement policies.
- **Policy Briefs**: Short, concise publications that provide analysis and policy recommendations on specific immigration issues.
- **Immigration Data**: CIS maintains an extensive database of immigration-related statistics, including data on legal immigration, illegal immigration, and the costs of immigration to U.S. taxpayers.
- **The CIS Blog**: Provides timely commentary on immigration policy and current events, featuring insights from CIS researchers and experts.
- **Books and Articles**: CIS publishes books and articles that provide a deeper analysis of immigration policy and its impact on American society.
Funding and Independence[edit]
The Center for Immigration Studies is a non-profit organization that is primarily funded through donations from individuals, foundations, and other private sources. It does not receive government funding, which ensures its independence and ability to provide unbiased research and policy recommendations.
CIS maintains its objectivity by focusing on evidence-based analysis, and it is committed to transparency regarding its funding sources.
Criticism and Controversies[edit]
The Center for Immigration Studies has faced criticism from immigrant advocacy groups, progressive organizations, and some academic scholars who disagree with its policy recommendations. Critics argue that CIS’s stance on immigration may be overly restrictive and fails to account for the economic and cultural benefits of immigration.
Despite these criticisms, CIS defends its research and positions, emphasizing its commitment to providing objective, data-driven analysis of immigration policy and its impact on American society.
External Links[edit]
- Official Website: [1](https://cis.org/)
- CIS on YouTube: [2](https://www.youtube.com/user/CISorg)
- CIS on Twitter: [@CIS_org](https://twitter.com/CIS_org)
References[edit]
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