Q&A Guide to State Immigration Laws

VIA http://www.immigrationpolicy.org

*For Immediate Release*

* *

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

* *

*January 12, 2011*

* *

*Washington** D.C.* – 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 releases *Q&A Guide to State Immigration Laws:
What You Need to Know If Your State is Considering Arizona SB1070-Type
Legislation
*. (located at http://goo.gl/UnQCM)



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..



*To view the guide in its entirety, see:*



– *Q&A Guide to State Immigration Laws: What You Need to Know If Your
State is Considering Arizona SB1070-Type
Legislation
*(located at http://goo.gl/UnQCM)
–

###


For additional information contact Wendy Sefsaf at wsefsaf@immcouncil.org or
202-507-7524.

___________________________________________________________________________


The Immigration Policy
Center(IPC),
established in 2003, is the policy arm of the American Immigration
Council. IPC’s mission is to shape a rational conversation on immigration
and immigrant integration. Through its research and analysis, IPC provides
policymakers, the media, and the general public with accurate information
about the role of immigrants and immigration policy on U.S. society. IPC
reports and materials are widely disseminated and relied upon by press and
policy makers. IPC staff regularly serves as experts to leaders on Capitol
Hill, opinion-makers and the media. IPC is a non-partisan organization that
neither supports nor opposes any political party or candidate for office



Division of the American Immigration Council.