In the absence of immigration reform at the federal level, states are implementing their own laws—for better and worse. New Haven, Conneticut has granted residents municipal ID cards, making it easier for undocumented immigrants who don’t have identification to run ordinary errands like opening bank accounts. However, other states are enforcing harsh treatment. In September 2008, North Carolina began implementing its new law barring undocumented immigrants from attending community colleges.
Here’s a snapshot of where we are today: the sanctuary cities across the country; an estimate of the number of agreements each state has with the federal government to check people’s immigration status; and the state laws prohibiting immigrants from having driver’s licenses.
If you have information about your state that’s not on the map, email us at [email protected] and write "Immigrant Map" in the subject heading.