April 19, 2007

States Consider Record Number of Immigration Bills

State lawmakers call on Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform

WASHINGTON, D.C. – State legislators in all 50 states are considering nearly three times the number of immigration-related bills than they were this time last year, according a new report from the National Conference of State Legislatures.

At least 1,169 pieces of legislation designed to address immigration or immigrant-related issues have been introduced in all 50 states which is more than twice the total number of bills considered during 2006.

“There’s no question that immigration reform is one of the nation’s most pressing issues and it should come as no surprise that state legislators are responding accordingly,” said Texas Senator and NCSL President Leticia Van de Putte. “However, what is extremely disappointing is Congress’ inability to craft a comprehensive immigration reform solution. Washington’s inability to reach consensus has forced states to roll up their sleeves and get the job done.”

State lawmakers are not just talking about solutions. They’re actually enacting them. At least 57 bills in 18 states (Arkansas, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming) have been enacted.

Because immigration and immigrant-related issues touch on so many aspects of the public policy spectrum, state immigration-related legislation falls into a number of categories. Below is a chart of immigration legislation by category.

Benefits

149 bills

39 states

Documentation / ID

48 bills

22 states

Drivers Licenses

69 bills

31 states

Education

105 bills

30 states

Employment

199 bills

41 states

Health

92 bills

23 states

Human Trafficking

63 bills

28 states

Law Enforcement

129 bills

30 states

Legal Services

20 bills

10 states

Licensing

83 bills

28 states

Voting

46 bills

22 states

Miscellaneous

53 bills

24 states

Comprehensive Measures

9 bills

5 states

Resolutions

104 bills

27 states

TOTAL

1,169 bills

50 states

"States can only do so much. It's like we're trying to scale a 12 foot wall with a step stool. The federal government must fix and fund the problem - now," Van de Putte said.

While immigration policy falls under the purview of the federal government, the impact of these policies are felt directly by the states. States often must pay for the programs required by federal law and the services mandated by the courts with negligible federal reimbursements. Additionally, the arrival of immigrants into an area requires programs and policies specifically directed towards the needs of immigrants while encouraging economic, social, and civic life integration within the community. The weight of these needs can be heavy on states, especially in the areas of education, health, and law enforcement systems.

Senator Van de Putte believes the time is right for a comprehensive solution to the nation’s immigration challenges.

“State legislators deeply care about immigration reform in this country and in a bipartisan fashion call on the federal government to pass legislation that will enhance our border security while also addressing the inequities in our current system,” she said.

Copies of Overview of State Legislation Related to Immigration and Immigrants are available on NCSL’s website at http://www.ncsl.org/.

NCSL is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.

###

Contacts

Bill Wyatt
Director of Media Relations
202-624-8667

Nicole Moore
Public Affairs Manager
303-364-7700

More Resources