E.g., 06/02/2026
E.g., 06/02/2026
 
Male and female business professionals gathered at a conference table
iStock.com/Ridofranz
Short Reads
May 2026

Immigration is central to America’s economic future, yet political debate remains fixated on border crises and past policy failures instead of how a modern legal immigration system could power U.S. growth and competitiveness in an era of demographic decline. This short read argues for shifting the conversation toward flexible, employment-based immigration policies that match today’s labor market needs, strengthen enforcement through legal pathways, and treat immigrants as a source of national strength.

A street in Amman, Jordan, with market stalls, people, and cars
Samer Saliba/Mayors Migration Council
Reports
May 2026
Cover image for Creating Inclusive Urban Economies for Migrants and Refugees

Migrants and refugees make up notable shares of the workforce in many cities. By creating an environment in which they can find work, apply their skills, and thrive, urban areas can set themselves up to weather current and future economic changes, including the green and digital transitions. Drawing on a scan of city practices on four continents, this report examines the experiences and policy approaches of cities around the world.

An empty classroom with English language learning posters
iStock.com/Pressmaster
Reports
May 2026
Cover image for Adult English Instruction at Risk

Adult education programs play an important part in helping immigrant adults learn English and, in doing so, integrate into U.S. communities and the workforce. In many states, much of the funding for these programs comes from the federal government. This report examines states’ varied vulnerability to potential funding cuts, as well as opportunities to build stronger, more sustainable programs. 

A farmer's hands as he inspects wine grapes
iStock.com/Feverpitched
Reports
May 2026
Cover image for Rooted in the Valley

In Napa Valley, a world-famous wine-growing region, agriculture and manufacturing are major aspects of the regional economy. They are also sectors that have long relied on immigrant labor. This report examines the characteristics and economic contributions of Napa County’s immigrant residents and workers.

A field of flowers next to destroyed buildings in Homs, Syria
IOM/Batoul Ibrahim
Reports
April 2026
Cover image for From Exile to Return

The fall of Syria’s Assad regime has raised questions in high-income countries about when displaced Syrians will return home. Similar conversations are underway about the nearly 7 million displaced Ukrainians. This report examines the complexity of facilitating returns without imperiling reconstruction, fueling additional displacement, and uprooting well-integrated workers and members of host societies.

Image of a hand holding a passport with the stamp 'rejected' on a passport page
iStock.com/AnnaStills
Short Reads
April 2026

While much attention has focused on its efforts to tackle unauthorized immigration, the Trump administration has been methodically shutting down a wide array of legal immigration pathways and slowing immigration case processing. With U.S. birth rates declining and the population aging, the consequences could tip the U.S. population into stagnation—or even decline for the first time since 1918. 

Migration Policy Institute

Recent Publications see all >

Cover image for Creating Inclusive Urban Economies for Migrants and Refugees
Reports
May 2026
By  Kate Hooper, María Jesús Mora, Abigail Goldfarb and Natalia Banulescu-Bogdan
Cover image for Rooted in the Valley
Reports
May 2026
By  Valerie Lacarte, Michael Fix and Allison Rutland
Cover image for From Exile to Return
Reports
April 2026
By  Samuel Davidoff-Gore and Susan Fratzke
Cover image for Creating Inclusive Urban Economies for Migrants and Refugees
Reports
May 2026
By  Kate Hooper, María Jesús Mora, Abigail Goldfarb and Natalia Banulescu-Bogdan
Cover image for Rooted in the Valley
Reports
May 2026
By  Valerie Lacarte, Michael Fix and Allison Rutland
Cover image for From Exile to Return
Reports
April 2026
By  Samuel Davidoff-Gore and Susan Fratzke