The 9/11 Commission made document security changes with the aim to “protect against terrorist entry,” including: tightening restrictions on asylum applications, expanding definition of terrorist organizations and activity, removing restrictions on building border fences.

Sought to address illegal immigration by strengthening enforcement of immigration laws and enacting border security measures, including: making immigration enforcement a state and local responsibility, proposing an electronic verification system for employers, promoting more technologically advanced border security.

Introduced new mechanisms for border, interior and workplace enforcement. Also included: offering more state and local funding for incarcerating undocumented immigrants, creating a new temporary guest worker program, establishing new standards for earned legalization and mandatory departure.

In 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down several provisions as unconstitutional, but upheld the requirement that police check immigration status during law enforcement stops. The most controversial provisions included: calling for officers to check a person’s immigration status while enforcing other laws, requiring immigrants to carry their papers at all times, allowing police warrantless arrest of individuals suspected of being undocumented.

Permits undocumented high school graduates to stay for college or military service and offer the opportunity for permanent residency if they: have good moral character, came as minors, lived in the US for 5 continuous years.

Undocumented young immigrants (under 30) who meet these criteria are eligible for deferred action for 2 years, allowing to to remain in the U.S. and apply for work authorization on a case-by-case basis: came to the U.S. before they were 16, has resided in the U.S. for at least 5 years, is currently in school or is a high school graduate, is a GED recipient or military veteran with a clean record.