US Immigration has become a very important issue for American citizens and those individuals or families wishing to settle in America. Since the establishment of the first colonies in America, there have been immigrants desiring their chance at freedom. Elis Island was, for many, a portal to a new life through which they would pass to begin their journey.

Hundreds of thousands of individuals fled persecution, poverty or inhumane conditions to come to the United States for a chance to live the "American dream" of life and the pursuit of happiness.

A Visa is legal documentation that a person intends to be a visitor in the United States either for a limited stay, such as a visit, or for an indeterminate amount of time due to work, school or vacation purposes, thus a part of the US immigration process. Asylum is when a resident of another country is seeking to be allowed in the United States due to hostile rules, oppression or economic hardship suffered in their home country.

Illegal immigrants, or known as illegal aliens, face deportation as part of the US immigration program if they are discovered within the country illegally. Illegal US immigration can severely affect the economic status of the community. The illegal US immigration effects can range from criminal activity, illegal workers working for wages far beneath the minimum standard wage set forth by the state as well as a burden on the healthcare system if they do not have healthcare insurance.

The current laws regarding US immigration limit how many people are allowed asylum or entrance. There is currently a change to the testing questions for people seeking citizenship. At this time there is a debate waging on passing stricter laws and harsher penalties for people coming into the states illegally.