the center for immigration studies (cis) is an american research organization and think tank that supports ending illegal immigration and lowering the amount of immigration in the united states. it was founded in 1985 by a professor named otis graham jr. the center describes itself as a group that is "providing immigration policymakers, the academic community, news media, and concerned citizens with reliable information about the social, economic, environmental, security, and fiscal consequences of legal and illegal immigration into the united states."