The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)HS Migration Analysis Center is the research hub located within the Office of Homeland Security Statistics (OHSS). We lead research on U.S. immigration and migration-related topics. Our principal mission is the comprehensive study of migration flows and immigration policy. This includes understanding the factors that impact migration. We also research the social, economic, environmental, and demographic effects of immigration within the United States.

Our staff:

• Identify and define research questions; 
• Collect and analyze data;
• Design research;
• Develop and validate models;
• Report on our research; 
• Perform peer reviews; and
• Engage the public.

FY 2024 Research Priorities

1. Analyze factors that encourage and deter unauthorized migration;
2. Project DHS Southwest Border encounters;
3. Create downstream enforcement throughput model to support immigration enforcement budget and operational planning;
4. Analyze factors that influence the duration between border encounters and immigration enforcement stages;
5. Produce data models for the immigration benefits lifecycle (i.e., nonimmigrant extensions, changes, adjustments of status, and naturalizations);
6. Analyze probability and length of nonimmigrant overstays;
7. Analyze race differences in immigration enforcement;
8. Identify potential legal pathways as alternatives to unauthorized flows;
9. Improve existing population estimates; and
10. Improve existing estimates of successful unlawful border crossings.

External Engagement

OHSS interacts with immigration researchers based in non-governmental organizations and think tanks. To enhance engagement, Migration Analysis Center staff will:

• Present research findings at academic, government, and industry conferences;
• Hold routine stakeholder engagement meetings; and
• Establish an ongoing peer review process for major publications.