State and Local Responses to Federal Nonaction

Some good analysis by Immigration Impact:

Governors and mayors, state legislatures and city councils are playing an increasingly critical role in U.S. immigration policy. As a result of Congress’s inaction, states and localities are feeling pressure to take action on immigration, and many of the policies that directly impact immigrants’ lives—law enforcement, public benefits, driver’s licenses—are being driven by new state and local laws. Some state and local immigration policies have been positive and have helped to integrate immigrants into American communities. Others, however, have had a harmful impact on immigrants as well as on public health and safety.

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the nation’s 50 states, recently published two documents that highlight the role that states play in immigration policy. One is a report on recent state activity, and the other is NCSL’s official immigration policy statement.

• In 2005, 300 bills were introduced, 38 laws were enacted, and 6 vetoed.
• In 2006, 570 bills were introduced, 84 laws were enacted, and 6 vetoed.
• In 2007, 1,562 bills were introduced, 240 laws were enacted, and 12 vetoed.
• In 2008, 1,305 bills were introduced, 206 were enacted, and 3 vetoed.

Despite the fact that state budget crises are causing states to retreat on many issues, the amount of state legislation related to immigration introduced in the first half of 2009 outpaced the same time period in 2008. According to the NCSL, more than 1,400 bills have been introduced in all 50 states. At least 144 bills and resolutions have been enacted in 44 states. A total of 285 bills and resolutions have passed state legislatures—23 are pending the Governor’s approval and 3 have been vetoed.

By contrast, in the first half of 2008, 1,267 bills were considered in 45 states, and 175 laws and resolutions were enacted in 29 states.

The bills deal with issues ranging from education to employment, health, human trafficking, driver’s licenses, law enforcement, and public benefits. The issue of ID documents/driver’s licenses topped the list with 33 laws enacted; 22 health laws and 14 education laws were enacted.

The good news is that many of the laws and resolutions passed have been positive and aimed at immigrant integration. Some celebrate the U.S.’s heritage as a nation of immigrants. Some urge Congress to take action and expedite naturalization, enact comprehensive immigration reform, and extend health care benefits.