Centre for Immigration Studies

The Centre for Immigration Studies (CIS) is an American think tank that researches and advocates for lower immigration levels in the United States. Founded in 1985, it positions itself as a research institute providing analysis on the economic, social, fiscal, and national security impacts of immigration. CIS has recently been in the news for a report highlighting a significant drop in student visas issued to Chinese and Indian nationals, a finding that has drawn criticism from Chinese state media, who accuse the think tank of politicizing education. This development places CIS at the center of ongoing debates about international student flows, national security, and the U.S. higher education landscape. The organization's focus on border security also aligns with broader discussions, such as the completion of the U.S.-Mexico border wall, making its research and perspectives relevant to current policy discussions on immigration and national interests.