Topic Descriptions
Budget
These laws typically appropriate funds for refugee services, migrant health, naturalization services, education and English as a Second Language programs, or law enforcement.
Education
These laws usually pertain to immigration and residency requirements for access to higher education, in-state tuition, or financial assistance at educational institutions. Some laws address enhanced learning for refugees or English learners. Fourteen states—Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia and Wisconsin—now use the federal naturalization exam for high school civics curricula and/or testing requirements.
Employment
These laws address eligibility for unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, work authorization and E-Verify, and employer retaliation.
Health
These laws typically pertain to eligibility requirements for Medicaid and State Children’s Health Insurance Program, language access, and eligibility criteria for licenses within the health profession.
Human Trafficking
These laws provide benefits and protections to victims of human trafficking and address penalties for traffickers.
ID/Driver's Licenses and Other Licenses
In addition to providing for the eligibility of state-issued identification cards and driver’s licenses, these laws address a range of topics including professional licenses, firearm permits, hunting and recreational permits, and documentation requirements for driver’s license applications.
Law Enforcement
These laws typically pertain to the enforcement of immigration laws, but also include regulations pertaining to those working as notary publics and immigration consultants.
Miscellaneous
This category typically includes immigration-related issues that do not fit in other categories and are addressed infrequently, such memberships on task forces and commissions, and studies.
Public Benefits
These laws address social service programs that affect all people covered by the programs—immigrants and non-immigrants alike—and laws that ensure benefits are granted only to eligible immigrants.
Voting
These laws typically clarify voter registration requirements and valid documents to prove U.S. citizenship. Some address foreign contributions to elections.
Resolutions
Resolutions typically commend citizens, immigrants, and immigrant-serving organizations for their contributions, recognize the cultural heritage of immigrants in a state, and urge Congress or the president of the United States to take certain actions.