Policy Definition

POLICY

In the U.S. government, a policy is a plan or set of rules created by government leaders to guide decisions and actions on specific issues. Policies address areas such as healthcare, immigration, education, and the economy. For example, immigration policy sets the rules and procedures for how people can legally enter, stay, work, or become citizens in the U.S. Policies help ensure consistency and fairness in government actions and are designed to address the needs and goals of the country while considering the impact on its people.

A policy is not the same as a law or legislation, though they are related. A law or legislation is a formal rule passed by Congress (or another legislative body) and signed by the President, which must be followed by everyone. Breaking a law can lead to penalties, such as fines or jail time.

A policy, on the other hand, is a plan or guideline that shapes how laws are applied and interpreted. Policies are often created by government agencies or departments to direct the way they handle specific issues within the boundaries set by laws.

So, laws are the rules themselves, while policies are the generally agreed-upon approaches or procedures for applying those rules.