Immigration places America at the centre of a web of global networks. So why not make it easier?

Amity Shlaes argues that immigration of skilled workers into the United States might be the key to bringing Social Security into balance without raising taxes.

Edward Alden testifies before the House Committee on Homeland Security on the obstacles preventing the U.S. government from accurately identifying those who come lawfully to the United States but then overstay their terms of entry.

Four experts debate whether Obama's immigration reform plan, including an expanded path to legalization, would help or harm U.S. workers and economic growth.

Mildrade Cherfils of the Global Post discusses the recent recommendation by French lawmakers to forbid women from wearing head-to-toe Islamic dress in some public spaces, and how this proposed law relates to the question of "French identity," including issues of immigration, integration and religion.

Edward Alden discusses the Obama administration's quiet overhaul of immigration policies.

Edward Alden argues that the Obama administration should promptly eliminate the "special registration" procedures under the National Security Entry-Exit System set up after September 11, 2001.

Listen to CFR's Edward Alden discuss the findings of the CFR-sponsored Independent Task Force on U.S. Immigration Policy, which he directed, as part of CFR's State and Local Officials Conference Call series.

Learn more about CFR's State and Local Officials Initiative.

The recession has added fuel to the debate over skilled-worker visas, including a recent congressional effort to create stricter rules. CFR's Jagdish Bhagwati says the United States should be welcoming skilled workers and other immigrants.

Watch members of the CFR-sponsored Independent Task Force on U.S. Immigration Policy discuss the findings and recommendations of the Task Force report.

Listen to members of the CFR-sponsored Independent Task Force on U.S. Immigration Policy discuss the findings and recommendations of the Task Force report.

This year's Nobelists demonstrate the United States' success in science. But Edward Alden argues that we are jeopardizing this success through shortsighted immigration restrictions that make it difficult for the most talented and ambitious scientists to come here and remain.

This Report provides a comprehensive review and evaluation of the U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) system of Immigration Detention. It relies on information gathered by Dr. Dora Schriro, most recently the Director of the Office of Detention Policy and Planning, during tours of 25 facilities, discussions with detainees and employees, meetings with over 100 non-governmental organizations and federal, state, and local officials, and the review of data and reports from governmental agencies and human rights organizations.

This Brookings Institution Governance Studies Event examines the difficulties of immigration reform and proposes a number of policy changes.

Edward Alden, CFR senior fellow and director of U.S. Immigration Policy, a CFR-Sponsored Independent Task Force Report, discusses immigration policy online with Politico readers.

This Task Force report offers a strategy for maintaining America's political and economic leadership by attracting skilled immigrants, a program of legalization for those living in the United States illegally, and steps for securing the country's borders in an effective and humane way.

This module features teaching notes by CFR Senior Fellow Edward Alden, author of The Closing of the American Border: Terrorism, Immigration, and Security Since 9/11, along with other resources to supplement the text. In this book, Mr. Alden examines the complicated interplay between the United States' need for homeland security and economic openness in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.