Q&A Guide to State Immigration Laws: What You Need to Know If Your State is Considering Arizona SB1070-Type Legislation

In 2010, Arizona passed a controversial immigration law known as SB1070. Despite numerous court challenges – resulting in major parts of the bill being enjoined – and criticism from political, religious, civil-rights, and law-enforcement leaders, state legislators around the nation are forging ahead on similar legislation in their states. Today, the Immigration Policy Center released Q&A Guide to State Immigration Laws: What You Need to Know If Your State is Considering Arizona SB1070-Type Legislation.

While the growing frustration with our broken immigration system is understandable, “papers please” laws are not the answer. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that the enforcement-only strategy, which SB1070 and other copycat laws adopt, does not solve our immigration problems. Yet it obligates strapped state governments to spend millions of dollars in implementation, legal defense, and other collateral costs.

This guide provides key answers to basic questions about state immigration-related laws – from the substance of the legislation and myths surrounding the debate to the legal and fiscal implications. As other states contemplate legislation similar to SB1070, knowing the answers to these basic questions is critically important in furthering a rational discussion.

KJ