Aprill 24, 2008
States Tackle Immigration Issues With An Array of Legislation
A new report details top concerns of legislators from across the country
WASHINGTON - States introduced an unprecedented 1,562 laws regarding immigration, of which 240 became law in 2007. In the first three months of this year, more than 1,100 bills were introduced in the 44 state legislatures that were in regular session.
A new NCSL report found the majority of bills address law enforcement, employment, driver's licenses and other identification, for both legal and unauthorized immigrants. On par with last year, the number of immigration-related measures demonstrates states' willingness to respond to the public's concerns in a time when Congress won't.
The report was issued by NCSL's Immigrant Policy Project, which tracks legislation across the country pertaining to immigration. It released its quarterly findings April 24 during NCSL's Spring Forum in Washington, DC.
"We recognize the challenges facing our country in matters relating to immigration. It is critical that we address both the security and economic needs of states and communities while acknowledging our history as a nation of immigrants," said William T. Pound, NCSL executive director. "With that said, immigration continues to be a top issue for states from the coasts to the Midwestern plains to the South."
State legislators from Washington and Georgia discussed the challenges of balancing local workforce demands with the need to increase enforcement.
"In the face of federal failure to enact immigration reform, state legislatures continue to look for solutions to immigration challenges in their respective states," said Washington Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos, chair of the NCSL Immigration Task Force. "In every corner of the country, states are debating immigration-related issues."
This table below highlights the immigration-related issue areas and the number of bills introduced in the states, as of March 31, 2008.
|
Main Topics |
Number of Bills Introduced |
States |
|
Education |
74 |
22 |
|
Employment |
179 |
31 |
|
Health |
63 |
22 |
|
Human Trafficking |
24 |
14 |
|
ID/Driver’s Licenses/Other Licenses |
192 |
35 |
|
Law Enforcement |
198 |
35 |
|
Legal Services |
18 |
10 |
|
Miscellaneous |
104 |
31 |
|
Omnibus/Multi-Issue Measures |
41 |
16 |
|
Public Benefits |
67 |
25 |
|
Voting |
24 |
12 |
|
Resolutions |
122 |
28 |
|
TOTAL |
1,106 |
44 |
Six states are not in regular session in 2008, though two – Arkansas and Oregon – held special sessions. Montana, Nevada, North Dakota and Texas have no regular session. North Carolina’s legislative session convenes on May 13, 2008.
This report provides a first look at introduced legislation in 2008 and presents selected examples of enacted laws relating to immigrants and refugees. This process of legislative tracking and reporting is based on a comprehensive and inclusive methodology that captures all state legislation in which immigrants – whether authorized or unauthorized, temporary migrants, aliens and refugees – are affected.
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.
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