Washington, D.C. (May 9, 2024) – This year has seen important state-level legislation on immigration. The bills that have passed throughout the country tend to be those designed to deter illegal immigration and enhance enforcement of immigration law. As state legislative sessions wrap up around the country, two successful grassroots advocates join Jessica Vaughan, Director of Policy Studies at the Center for Immigration Studies, to discuss immigration legislative accomplishments in their states – Georgia and Tennessee.
D.A. King of the Dustin Inman Society and Joanne Bregman of Tennessee Eagle Forum highlight noteworthy new laws passed in their states this year that can serve as models for other states similarly frustrated by the lack of federal government interest in tackling the record high level of illegal immigration.
Three main types of legislation are discussed:
- Making illegal presence a state crime.
- Neutralizing local sanctuary policies by mandating cooperation with ICE.
- Limiting access to public benefits, especially professional and commercial licenses.
King and Bregman emphasize the importance of grassroots efforts and legal scrutiny in shaping effective policies. Vaughan makes it clear that “States are not helpless.”
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