Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

A new federal policy allows young unauthorized immigrants who are low enforcement priorities to remain in the country temporarily.  Announced on June 15, 2012, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy could provide up to 1.7 million children between the age of 16 and 31 with relief from deportation and a work permit for two years. This brief summarizes the federal policy and examples of state responses related to driver's licenses, in-state tuition and legal service protections. Feb. 15, 2013.   More

2012 Immigration Report 

State legislatures seemed to hit the pause button on immigration in 2012, when bill introductions dropped by 39 percent compared to 2011.  By the end of 2012 it was clear that immigration remains a hot topic for discussion, with nearly 1,000 bill introductions and 267 laws and resolutions enacted, a drop of only 13 percent from year-end 2011.  Four states were not in session in 2012.  Jan. 19, 2013.   More

For previous reports click here.

Immigration Reform:  Senate Bill Unveiled

The “Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration
Modernization Act" (S.744) has been unveiled at last. NCSL's 2-page summary, with links to the press statement, NCSL policy, and the text of the bill, can be found here.

NEW:  NCSL's Section by Section Summary of S.744 can be found here.  (April 26, 2013)

Earlier this year, the Senate and President Obama released their respective frameworks for immigration reform.  See NCSL’s brief summary and links to the proposals and NCSL’s policy on immigration. Jan. 31, 2013 More
 

US Supreme Court Rules on Arizona Immigration Laws

The U.S. Supreme Court handed down its decision in Arizona v. United States. At issue is whether federal law preempts the following provisions of Arizona’s omnibus immigration law (SB 1070), enacted in 2010. Immediate Impact: Since Arizona enacted its law, five states—Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, South Carolina and Utah—enacted similar legislation in 2011. The lower courts have either partially or wholly enjoined these statutes. June 25, 2012  More

 E-Verify

E-Verify is a federal program to help employers verify work authorization of new employees. This FAQ describes E-Verify, state legislation, Congressional proposals, and the 2011 Supreme Court ruling upholding Arizona's 2007 law.  Revised Dec. 18, 2012. More

Immigration and State Laws: Interviews with the Experts

Statecast on Immigration.  In NCSL's new podcast series, Jon Kuhl interviews the cochairs of the Executive Committee Task Force on Immigration and the States:  Senator John Watkins, Virginia and Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos, Washington.  Sept. 14, 2012

Immigration and the States:  Key Lessons for the States from the U.S. Supreme Court decision on Arizona’s SB1070

Peter J. Spiro, Charles R. Weiner Professor of Law, Temple University, discusses the implications of Arizona v United States at NCSL’s Legislative Summit in Chicago, Aug. 6, 2012. More

 “Testing the Constitution: State Immigration Laws and the Courts” featured Professor Peter Schuck, a constitutional scholar from Yale University, who described immigration federalism, the role of states, and areas of federal preemption. Texas State Senator Leticia Van de Putte, Arizona State Senator Rich Crandall, and Utah State Senator Curtis Bramble offered their perspectives on immigration within their states. Legislative Summit, San Antonio, August 2011. More

Arizona’s Immigrant Trespassing Law:  Cause for Preemption?  Speakers:  Representative John Kavanagh, Arizona; Senator Leticia Van de Putte, Texas; Peter Spiro, Temple University – Beasley School of Law; Hubert Williams, President, Police Foundation.  Legislative Summit, Louisville, July 2010.  More