How is immigration related to federalism?

In the past decade, state and local governments have produced a flurry of legislation related to immigrants and immigration. Much of the legislation between 2004 and 2012 was restrictive in nature, making it more difficult for immigrants to reside in communities, work, and live their daily lives. read more

With or without immigration reform at the national level, states and localities will continue to play a significant role in regulating the lives of immigrant residents. Karthick Ramakrishnan is an associate professor of political science at the University of California, Riverside. read more

In the 19 th and early 20 th centuries, individual states had their own immigration laws. States typically sought to regulate immigrant influxes with policies that reflected particular concern about the arrival of poor European newcomers. Now, immigration policy is, in some ways, returning to its roots. read more

Under immigration federalism, immigrants are much more at the mercy of the discriminatory powers of the local state. Survey Responses on Immigrant Community Members Sheriffs and city police chiefs respond differently to questions related to immigrant community members. read more