State & Local Initiatives
We help state and local leaders champion welcoming policies and programs that create jobs, spur innovation, and drive economic growth for all Americans.
They say all politics is local, right? While most of the debate about immigration focuses on congressional action (or inaction), state and local leaders have been leading the way in attracting, retaining and integrating new American communities for the past few decades.
Since 2014, the Council’s State & Local Initiatives team has worked in more than 100 local communities across more than 40 states to support policymakers, businesses, and civic leaders who recognize the myriad economic, cultural, and civic contributions immigrants and refugees make. Through economic research, technical assistance, peer-to-peer learning, and advocacy opportunities, we help our partners champion welcoming policies and programs that create jobs, spur innovation, and drive economic growth for all Americans.
Latest from State and Local
Protected No More – How States Are Responding to Immigration Enforcement in Sensitive Locations
- Enforcement
- State and Local
- April 11, 2025
For almost 15 years, immigrants in the United States were able to seek medical care, attend school, and access other critical services…
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The Fight for Immigrant Students’ Education: Policies, Barriers, and What’s at Stake
- State and Local
- April 4, 2025
By: Jojo Tompkins, State and Local Fellow, American Immigration Council For generations, the United States has upheld education as the foundation…
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Ahead of Tax Day, Fear of Filing Taxes Rises Among Undocumented Immigrants
- Economics
- State and Local
- April 1, 2025
Tax Day is approaching, but the Trump administration’s mass deportation efforts may make many undocumented immigrants hesitant to file taxes. Some…
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Office of New Americans State Network
The Council and WES Global Talent Bridge co-lead the ONA State Network, uniting state leaders to advance immigrant integration. They offer technical support, peer learning, and research on the economic benefits of these efforts.
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State Compacts & Business Coalitions
Since 2019, the Council has launched eight business-led State Compacts on Immigration and leads coalitions in Texas, Colorado, and Ohio. These efforts unite business voices to promote immigration policies that boost the economy and attract global talent.
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Global Talent Chamber Network (GTCN)
The Global Talent Chamber Network unites chambers of commerce that view immigrant integration as key to economic growth. The Council supports them with local research, policy briefings, and peer learning on attracting and integrating immigrant talent.
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Gateways for Growth Challenge (G4G)
In partnership with Welcoming America, the Council leads the Gateways for Growth challenge, providing local organizations with tailored research and support to develop inclusive economic plans that harness the talents of all residents.
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The guidance and technical support from the American Immigration Council and Welcome America for the development of the Strategic Plan for Welcoming and Integration has been outstanding. This work has been pivotal for Dodge City to become a more welcoming city where everyone regardless of where they come from belong and feel a part of the community. We appreciate the help and expertise from day one.”
Ernestor De La Rosa, Dodge City, KS, Gateways for Growth Round IV
State & Local by the Numbers
800+
Number of state bills tracked in 2024
22
Number of states in the Office of New Americans State Network
76
Number of communities that have received a G4G award
Map the Impact
Immigrants in Ohio
5.1%
Immigrant share of population
601,136
Immigrant residents
$7.3B
Immigrant taxes paid
Make a contribution
Make a direct impact on the lives of immigrants.
