immigrants or immigration
Searching for information on immigration in the United States
Answer
Overview
Locate information on the topic of immigration using a variety of tools: the library hosts many different tools for research success!
Librarians recommend using OneSearch online library catalog: it cross-searches most of the library databases, books, and select open access resources. In the first phase of research, your mission is to narrow your topic and build your knowledge. You can brainstorm related issues using suggested library databases and Generative AI (i.e., Copilot, ChatGPT). Please note: generative AI will not point to the scholarly resources your instructors are asking for. Also, be aware of the accuracy or currency of sources used in generative AI responses: prompt clearly for concise responses. See our library FAQ on Using Generative AI for Library Research.
The following language is from Copilot using the prompt, "key issues related to immigration"
- global or international immigration
- Unites States immigration
- social and cultural integration
- legal status and rights
- asylum seekers and refugees
- family separation
- economic impact
- border security and enforcement
- policy and legal frameworks
Choosing the Right Database
For current and evolving topics, the library provides access to a number of databases. Use a variety of these databases to build your knowledge on the topic, identify experts, and locate evidence to support your thesis claim. Apply the keywords and vocabulary you collected to help you prompt the databases using Advanced Search techniques for best results. You must choose the database from the A-Z Database listing before starting your search.
Suggested Databases for topics related to Immigration (United States):
- Opposing Viewpoints
- SIRS Researcher
- NewsBank
- CQ Researcher
- Gale Ebooks
After preliminary searching, locate journals and peer-reviewed sources that focus on very specific areas within the related issue. See the library research guide, EBSCO Explained, before searching.
- EBSCO HostWeb (Searches all 30+ databases within EBSCO)
- Academic OneFile (Searches 15+ databases within Gale)
- JSTOR (searches across thousands of archival journals)
Database Guides and Tutorials