State and Local
These Four Maps Illustrate How States Are Shaping Immigration Policy
The New York Times published a series of maps illustrating the different ways in which states either attempt to welcome immigrants into their communities or go out of their way to make them feel unwelcome. The main indicators include which states have a policy allowing undocumented immigrants to drive… Read More
Early Legislative Action in States Shows Mixed Bag of Immigration Proposals
While some state attorneys general are suing to stop President Obama’s immigration executive actions, many state lawmakers are working to address immigration issues within their own states. New York, for example, is trying to pass new reforms to help young immigrants afford college while Colorado legislators try to limit… Read More
States Begin New Year by Implementing New Immigration Laws
Many of the positive immigration reforms approved in 2014 happened in the states. Despite federal inaction on federal immigration reform, state and local officials took pragmatic steps to help undocumented immigrants living in their communities better integrate. Connecticut and California were two of 10 states as well as the… Read More
Cities in States Suing Over Executive Action Are Welcoming Immigrants
Half of the states have joined a lawsuit challenging President Obama’s executive action on immigration, the latest being Tennessee. Yet leadership of cities across the nation support the administration’s actions—even those within states whose governors and attorneys general are suing to stop it. What explains the disconnect?… Read More
20 Years Later, California Still Feels Effects of Anti-Immigrant Measure
Saturday marks 20 years since 59 percent of Californians voted for a measure designed to reduce the number of undocumented immigrants in the state, a policy that backfired and led to a massive political shift. The measure was Proposition 187, part of 1994’s “Save Our State” initiative, and its repercussions… Read More
Alabama Settles Last Legal Challenge to State’s Self-Deportation Law
The state of Alabama settled a lawsuit last week over one of the last remaining provisions of HB 56, the punitive immigration measure often called the “show me your papers” law. Legislators first approved the law in 2011, but when lawmakers passed revisions to HB 56 in 2012, they… Read More
Could New Jersey Be the 12th State to Offer Driver’s Licenses to Undocumented Immigrants?
Driving is a key component of U.S. culture. People drive to work and school, to run errands and to pick up their kids. Part of being integrated in U.S. culture increasingly means having the ability to get to the grocery store, to church, to community functions, and to health clinics—and… Read More
Cities Recognize the Power of Naturalization During Citizenship Day and Welcoming Week
Each year on September 17, the United States observes Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, a combined event that commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the constitution in 1787 and recognizes all those who are or have become U.S. citizens. This week, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is celebrating… Read More
States and Counties Continue to Create Policies that Integrate Immigrants and Boost Communities
Before Congress left for August recess, members failed to pass a supplemental spending bill to cover the costs of managing the influx of unaccompanied minors and families at the southern border. Most have given up on hoping the House of Representatives will take up comprehensive immigration reform after House… Read More
New York Legislators Propose State’s Own Brand of Immigration Reform
While Congress drags its feet on immigration reform, states and cities push the envelope further to help immigrants already living in their communities. On Monday, two New York state legislators introduced the “New York is Home” Act, S. 7879 and A. 10129. It is sweeping legislation that… Read More
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