Immigration 101

Before we can find common ground on immigration, we first need to speak the same language. Too often, the national debate on immigration gets tangled in emotion and misinformation. What does it actually mean to be an asylum seeker? Is overstaying a visa a crime? What’s the difference between Temporary Protected Status and Humanitarian Parole? How many Green Cards does the U.S. issue each year — and through which categories?

Join us for “Immigration 101” — a lively, good-humored evening of myth-busting and meaning-making. We’ll start with a fun, interactive Q&A to test what we really know about immigration law and policy — from refugees to green card holders to birthright citizenship. Then, we’ll move into a moderated discussion, exploring how these definitions shape our personal values, political beliefs, and hopes for America’s future.

Whether you lean Red, Blue, or somewhere in between, this event invites curiosity before judgment — and understanding before persuasion.

Come ready to learn, listen, and connect across differences — one definition at a time.

Sample Q&A Teasers - Try your hand at a few “Did You Know?” questions we’ll explore:

1. True or False:
   Overstaying a visa is a federal crime.
2. Which of these is NOT a form of legal immigration status?
   A) Green Card Holder
   B) Temporary Protected Status
   C) Asylum Seeker
   D) Tourist Visa Holder
3. If someone enters the U.S. without authorization for the first time, what level of offense is it under federal law?
   A) Felony
   B) Misdemeanor
   C) Civil Violation
4. “Humanitarian Parole” allows people to enter the U.S. temporarily for what reason?
   A) Economic opportunity
   B) Family reunification
   C) Urgent humanitarian or public benefit
5. How many Green Cards does the U.S. issue each year?
   A) Around 250,000
   B) Around 500,000
   C) Around 1 million
6. What’s the main difference between a refugee and an asylee?
   A) Refugees apply before entering the U.S.; asylees apply after arrival.
   B) Refugees are always from war zones; asylees are not.
   C) There’s no difference — the terms mean the same thing.

Some useful links:

• Immigration 101 - Video by Braver Angels
• Explainer: How the US Legal Immigration System Works

Join the Crossing Party Lines discussion and have a voice in our nation’s conversation! People of all views are welcomed, appreciated, and heard.