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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Immigrant Policy Issues Overview
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 a range of policy issues, such as the provision of social services, health care, education and immigrant 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.
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: Larry Goolsby
USCM: Crystal Swann
NLC: Leslie Wollack
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Issues & Resources
Find the NCSLstaff member who handles the issue in which you are interested.
NCSLprovides access to current state and federal legislation and a comprehensive list of state documents, including state statutes, constitutions, legislative audits and research reports.
Members
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