Immigration and State Laws: Interviews With the Experts

The session on “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. More

2011 State Immigration-Related Bills

In the first half of 2011, state legislators in the 50 states and Puerto Rico considered 1,592 bills and resolutions relating to immigrants and refugees. State legislators enacted 257 laws and resolutions.  August 9, 2011. More

State lawmakers and an immigration lawyer discuss immigration issues in the states.  More

E-Verify

E-Verify is a federal program to help employers verify work authorization of new employees.  This FAQ explains E-Verify, state legislation, a recent GAO evaluation, and the May 26, 2011 Supreme Court ruling upholding Arizona's 2007 law.  Revised November 4, 2011.  More

 State Omnibus Immigration Laws and Lawsuits 

Since omnibus immigration enforcement laws were enacted in Arizona early in 2010 (and subsequently enjoined after a federal challenge), five additional states have enacted similar laws:  Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, South Carolina and Utah in 2011.  Lawsuits were filed in each state.  In Alabama,  the district court issued a temporary injunction on September 28 barring some provisions while allowing others to proceed until a trial can be held on the state’s recently enacted immigration enforcement law, HB.56.   On October 31, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a motion to enjoin South Carolina's law.

Utah was the first state this year to address immigration reform in a comprehensive package.  The legislative debate was framed by the "Utah Compact,"  a set of five principles based on federal solutions, law enforcement, families, economy and free society.  Updated November 1, 2011.   More

Arizona and Immigration Law Enforcement

Arizona's SB1070 and HB 2162 added new state requirements, crimes and penalties relating to immigration law enforcement.  On July 28, 2010, the laws were partially enjoined and on April 11, 2011, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court upheld the injunction. A video of a session examining the laws and legal challenges at NCSL's Legislative Summit session is now available online.  Updated July 28, 2011.  More