States Enforce Federal Immigration Laws

Although enforcing the nation's immigration laws has traditionally been the federal government's job, states increasingly are doing it. They are motivated by a perception that the feds aren't getting it done—and that illegal immigrants cost states money.

This year, as Congress failed to agree on omnibus immigration legislation, 43 states have stepped into the breach and enacted a total of 182 immigration-related laws. The National Conference of State Legislatures characterizes this legislation blitz as "an unprecedented level of activity," reports Reuters.

The toughest new measure, many believe, is a new Oklahoma statute. It makes it a felony to harbor or transport illegal residents, reduces their government benefits and effectively requires not only local law enforcement agencies but local businesses to enforce federal immigration laws, the news agency says.

"Illegal aliens will not come to Oklahoma or anywhere else if there are no jobs waiting for them. They will not stay here if there is no government subsidy," says state Rep. Randy Terrill, a Republican. He sponsored the law in an effort to encourage illegal immigrants to "self-deport."

Critics say such efforts target not only illegal but legal residents, and infringe on what should be a uniform federal law enforcement program, Reuters reports.

"You're starting to see this around the country. They're trying to scare people, and they're saying 'We don't want you here,' " says William Sanchez. He is an attorney for the National Coalition of Latino Clergy and Christian Leaders, which has filed suit over the Oklahoma law.