Leadership Center for Attorney General Studies

A free and open democracy benefits tremendously from a welcoming immigration system that includes people from all over the world.

The United States is a nation of immigrants and indigenous people. For centuries, immigrants have come to the United States seeking a better life and contributing to the nation’s growth through ingenuity and persistence. Today, immigrants continue to contribute to all aspects of America life.

Attorneys general work to protect the rights of the immigrants living in their states and districts. They advocate for humane immigration policies and stand up for those emigrating to the United States under the most difficult circumstances – often fleeing violence or political persecution. Immigration policy reflects the values of the nation, and attorneys general lead with a moral compass that treats immigrants with compassion and recognizes the benefits immigrants bring to our economy and culture.