Federal immigration decisions have direct and indirect effects on state and local governments in the form of their budgets; the composition of their citizenry; the utilization and quality of their services; and the general social, political, and economic character of their communities.
Although the federal government has exclusive jurisdiction over immigration policy (the terms and conditions for entry into the United States), states and localities have become responsible for immigrant policy (the policies that help newcomers integrate into the country’s economic, social, and civic life.) States implement programs required by federal law, provide services mandated by the courts, and initiate programs and policies to serve the specialized needs of their new citizens.
The NCSL Immigrant Policy Project provides legislative research and analysis on immigration policy issues, such as the provision of social services, health care and education and integration assistance, including citizenship and civic engagement. Project publications have examined immigrants’ eligibility for federal and state programs, including TANF, Food Stamps, Medicaid, SCHIP, and SSI. We provide information on federal immigration reform proposals; issues related to immigration employment (temporary worker visas, E-Verify and worksite enforcement), and state fiscal impact studies. Finally, the Project regularly produces a report on state laws and resolutions related to immigrants and immigration.
NCSL Executive Committee Task Force on Immigration and the States
The NCSL Executive Committee Task Force on Immigration and the States was created with the dual purpose of providing a forum for states to exchange ideas and promising practices while helping legislators understand the implications of federal immigration reform proposals on their states. This task force is examining federalism issues related to immigration policy and the role of states in immigrant policy, exploring new mechanisms for participating in state-federal immigration partnerships, including fair and effective immigration processing and enforcement and extending support for immigrant integration programs.
Affiliated Projects
Building the New American Community was a collaborative project launched with federal support in an effort to understand the elements of successful refugee and immigrant integration - to understand what that means, what works, what doesn't work, and why. NCSL launched this project with four national partners and coalitions of public and private partners in three demonstration communities, with an emphasis on two-way integration. The national project ended in 2004. NCSL continues pilot projects in individual states with foundation support.
The Hunger and Nutrition Partnership engages state lawmakers in efforts to reduce hunger and improve nutrition. The project, supported by The UPS Foundation, has conducted site visits and seminars for partnerships of policymakers, researchers and practitioners. We also developed key publications on federal nutrition and hunger programs and best practices in the states, "Addressing Hunger and Nutrition: A Tool Kit for Positive Results" summarizes the goals, criteria and funding for 12 federal nutrition assistance programs. "Bringing Legislators to the Table: Addressing Hunger and Nutrition in America" provides state legislators with practical examples of how to leverage resources and expertise across sectors to reach vulnerable populations.
Project Staff
Ann Morse, Program Director
Dirk Hegen, Policy Specialist
State and Local Coalition on Immigration
The State and Local Coalition on Immigration is a collaborative effort of six national organizations representing state and local government: The National Governors Association, the National Conference of State Legislatures, the National Association of Counties, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National League of Cities, and the American Public Human Services Association. Since the early 1980s, these organizations have worked individually and jointly to advance the state and local perspective on immigration before Congress and the Administration through correspondence, issue briefings, and testimony.
State and Local Coalition on Immigration contacts:
NCSL: Sheri Steisel
NGA: Heather Hogsett
NACo: Marilina Sanz
APHSA: Robert Ek
USCM: Crystal Swann
NLC: Leslie Wollack