State and Local Immigration Initiatives

With the failure of the federal government to pass comprehensive immigration reform, states and localities are playing a more prominent role in immigration regulation. For many years, states have been involved in restricting immigrants’ access to health care, licenses, and public benefits. In recent months, however, an increasing number of states and localities are seeking to drive unwanted immigrants out of their communities and make it less attractive for new immigrants to arrive. Over the last several years, record numbers of legislation have been introduced at the state and city level. These measures included language that would cut benefits to immigrants, penalize persons who employ or provide assistance and services to undocumented immigrants, and require the police to enforce immigration laws. As the states and localities implement these measures, the U.S. is becoming a country with a patchwork of laws and regulations that are often unconstitutional, costly, and misguided. The implications for Latinos are vast and these measures create mistrust, fear, discrimination, and intolerance in communities.

On the other hand, there are states, counties, and cities that continue to welcome newcomers to their communities in ways that help those individuals integrate into the fabric of society. Recognizing the complexities of immigration law, they are unwilling to step into the enforcement of a federal law at the local level. These local and state governments experience the frustration of the lack of action by the federal government to pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill, yet recognize the contributions of all immigrants in their communities.

Through its Affiliate and partner network, NCLR seeks to work with advocates to educate the community about state and local immigration-related initiatives to bring about the best possible policy outcome. By working with grassroots organizations to elaborate the advocacy tools necessary at the local and state level, NCLR seeks to defeat anti-immigrant initiatives and propel policies that best integrate immigrants into U.S. society.

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