State and Local
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
Counties Limit ICE Detainers As DHS Secretary Says He’s Taking a ‘Fresh Look’
As a growing number of states and counties end or limit their cooperation with immigration detainers, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said Thursday that he is taking a “fresh look” at Secure Communities, a program that started in 2008 that allows local law enforcement to share fingerprints… Read More
Why Federal Officials Reminded Schools Not to Discriminate Against Immigrant Students
Last week, the Department of Education took steps to help ensure that undocumented students are not deterred from enrolling at K-12 public schools. The Department issued updated guidance regarding public schools’ responsibility to provide equal access to elementary and secondary education for all students regardless of immigration… Read More
All the Action on Immigration is (Still) in the States
Although their fate ultimately likes in federal immigration reform, unauthorized immigrants are getting much help from state and local officials who are taking pragmatic steps to allow undocumented immigrants to pay in-state tuition and to limit local law enforcement from honoring immigration detainers issued by federal immigration authorities. On… Read More
Florida Legislators Approve In-State Tuition for Undocumented Students
The Republican-controlled Florida legislature has passed HB 851, a bill allowing qualified undocumented immigrants to pay in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities. After voting against similar bills in previous years, the Florida Senate approved the legislation on Thursday. The state House had already passed the… Read More
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