There has perhaps been no greater or swifter policy turnaround in American history than on immigration over the last eleven months. The new administration ended the historic border crisis in a matter of days, debunking the false (and bipartisan) narrative that illegal immigration is inevitable. 

As our analysis shows, from January to July there was an unprecedented drop of 2.2 million in the foreign-born population. This was driven by an astounding 10 percent decline in the illegal immigrant population, in just seven months. 

The Center for Immigration Studies not only analyzed these trends but provided the framework in which this ongoing turnaround was achieved. We supplied the administration with key personnel and workable policy solutions, which are also being used by members of Congress as well as state and local officials to achieve remarkable results. 

While we are thrilled with the impact our work has had, we remain realistic about what still needs to be done and the challenges ahead. Keeping the border secure and continuing to reduce the size of the illegal immigrant population is a daunting task.

But in addition to addressing illegal immigration, the Trump administration and Congress must also decide how many foreigners we should admit legally to live among us, and how to select them. On this fundamental question, there remains no consensus. The same elite/public gap exists as it did before, with many prominent voices favoring continued high levels – or even higher levels – of legal immigration.

Here is where the Center’s work is arguably more important than ever. Over our 40-year history, we have been the only think tank that has consistently and rigorously made the case for immigration moderation: a slowing of the record-breaking pace of new arrivals so that wages can rise, welfare rolls can shrink, and the forces of assimilation can knit us all more closely together. This is broadly popular with the public, but effectively making the case for it to our leadership classes, in Washington and elsewhere, requires the kind of detailed research and analysis that only the Center provides.

Our prodigious output of thousands of reports, testimonies, articles, and commentaries are being used by members of Congress, administration officials, judges, state and local policymakers, law enforcement officials, academics, and other writers and researchers to influence the direction our nation takes on this critical issue.

If you’re already a supporter, thank you for sticking with us as we navigated the most challenging immigration years in our nation’s history. We couldn’t have done it without you.

And if you’re encountering us for the first time, we welcome your interest and aspire to earn your trust.

But in either case, we’re asking you to help bring our shared goals to fruition. On this Giving Tuesday, invest in America with a tax-deductible donation in support of this important work.