During the Biden administration, over 11 million inadmissible aliens crossed our nation’s borders from over 160 countries – including more than 390 individuals on the terror watch list. States across the country will continue to suffer the consequences of this mass illegal immigration for years to come. While the Trump administration works to enforce federal immigration law and finally secure our border, states must also play a crucial role in upholding our country’s laws and fighting illegal immigration.
Here’s what states can do:
Prohibit Sanctuary Cities
When local officials refuse to honor Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer requests or bar law enforcement from sharing information with ICE, it endangers public safety, obstructs necessary law enforcement efforts, and creates safe havens for illegal aliens, especially criminals. Police officers deserve clear guidance and legal backing to cooperate with federal immigration officials – not political directives that tie their hands.
State lawmakers should prohibit any government entity or law enforcement agency from adopting sanctuary policies.
Protect American Jobs and Ensure Legal Employment
Illegal employment is the top driver of illegal immigration. When employers hire unauthorized workers, they not only violate federal laws but also displace lawful workers, depress wages, and further diminish public confidence in our immigration system. Despite federal law prohibiting the employment of unauthorized aliens, enforcement has been inconsistent, and many employers exploit loopholes with little-to-no consequence.
State lawmakers should require all employers – public and private – to use the federal E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility.
Empower Local Law Enforcement
Every inadmissible alien in the U.S. is in violation of federal law – not just those with additional criminal convictions. To protect the homeland, states must ensure that local law enforcement agencies are ready to enforce immigration laws. The 287(g) program allows police departments and sheriffs to detain and transfer illegal aliens to federal custody. Despite its proven effectiveness, many agencies continue to refuse to participate, despite surging illegal immigration and rising preventable criminal activity.
State lawmakers should require every law enforcement agency within the state to enter into a written agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to participate in the 287(g) program.
Prevent Taxpayer Dollars From Supporting Deportation Avoidance
Citizens expect their government to uphold immigration laws, not fund efforts to resist them. Taxpayer-funded legal aid groups and nonprofits are receiving state grants and contracts to provide legal representation for deportable aliens in deportation proceedings. Deportation proceedings are a civil matter, and no one has a right to a taxpayer-funded attorney in civil proceedings. Spending state and local tax dollars on deportation attorneys treats deportable aliens better than U.S. citizens and is a misuse of limited tax dollars.
State lawmakers should ensure that no state money is used - directly or indirectly - to support legal assistance for deportable aliens.
Hold Organizations Accountable for Concealing Illegal Aliens
Politically motivated groups, activist networks, and even some businesses and religious charities are actively encouraging and facilitating the unlawful presence of aliens. This isn't compassion – it’s complicity. It fuels the human trafficking pipeline, undermines the rule of law, strains public resources, and exposes communities to dangerous criminal networks such as drug cartels.
State lawmakers should penalize individuals or organizations that knowingly shield illegal aliens from detection by law enforcement, or transport, or provide housing, legal aid, or financial assistance to assist their unlawful presence.
Protect the Integrity of State Documents
Many states have weak eligibility requirements to receive government identification, allowing unlawful or temporary foreign nationals to obtain driver’s licenses or state-issued ID cards. This not only undermines immigration law, but also compromises public safety, erodes trust in government systems, and increases the risk of fraud. State licenses and ID cards should only be available to verifiable legal residents of the state. These documents are not only keys to the road – they are often gateways to access voting, banking, public services, and more benefits.
State lawmakers should ensure that only legal residents are eligible for state-issued licenses or ID cards.