The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) reports that during the first quarter of this year, state legislators from all 50 states have introduced bills relating to immigrants. NCSL reports that 1040 bills and resolutions were introduced during the first quarter of this year. NCSL also reports that state legislatures have become much more active in this area during the last four years. By their count, 300 bills were introduced in 2005, 570 in 2006, 1562 in 2007, and 1305 in 2008.
Immigration is a federal issue at its core and these statistics are just another indication that Congress must address the issue and pass comprehensive immigration reform soon. Allowing immigration to be dictated by a hodgepodge of state laws not only causes confusion and bewilderment, but is also economically inefficient.