Briefing papersMarch 2020Kerrie Holloway with Marta Foresti and Amy LeachNewly naturalised citizens wave American flags during a naturalisation ceremony in Washington DC. Photo: White House/Pete SouzaThis briefing presents an overview of the key features of migration and asylum policy in the US, recent trends in migration patterns, and public perceptions and political narratives on refugees and other migrants:Most Americans consistently overestimate the number of unauthorised migrants in the US, with a majority believing at least half of all immigrants are in the country without documentation. In reality, roughly 75% of immigrants in the US have legal status.In October 2019, the US resettled no refugees for the first time since records began on the back of highly restrictive policies since President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January 2017.Public narratives on refugees and other migrants are polarised and strongly linked with party politics. Yet, 67% of Americans fall into an ‘exhausted majority’ who share a sense of fatigue with polarised national conversations.By 2030 there will not be enough Americans of working age to support the country, making hiring migrants and refugees essential to fill gaps in the economy. Businesses can play a key role in demonstrating the economic benefits of employing migrants and refugees.This briefing is part of a wider project supported by the IKEA Foundation aimed at supporting public and private investors interested in engaging with migration and displacement.Read the research Public narratives and attitudes towards refugees and other migrants: US country profileDocumentpdfRelated Public narratives and attitudes towards refugees and other migrants: UK country profileThis briefing presents an overview of migration and asylum policy in the UK as well as the county’s perceptions of and political narratives on migrants.Briefing papers1 November 2019 Public narratives and attitudes towards refugees and other migrants: Germany country profile This briefing presents an overview of Germany’s migration and asylum policy, public perceptions of migrants, and political narratives on refugees.Briefing papers1 November 2019 Overcoming migration myths: #ODIdeas with Louise ArbourLouise Arbour, the UN Special Representative for International Migration, reflects on the need to challenge negative perceptions of migration.Multimedia18 April 2018 Understanding public attitudes towards refugees and migrantsWhat does the literature tell us about public attitudes towards refugees and migrants, their drivers, and how to influence them?Publication Series22 June 2017See more:migration and refugeesprivate sectorUnited States (US)
