It’s Not Just Texas: GOP-Led States Push for Tougher Immigration Laws
For a few hours on Tuesday, local Texas authorities were allowed to arrest suspected migrants who crossed the border without authorization under a controversial state law, Senate Bill 4 (S.B. 4). A federal appellate court paused enforcement of the law for now, but the fight over S.B. 4 has generated national attention and panic among immigration advocates.
The state claims S.B. 4 is the solution to an “invasion” of unauthorized migrants crossing the southern border, while opponents say the move is unconstitutional. Texas’ hard stance on immigration has also inspired Republican lawmakers across the country to push for similar legislation.
The Daily Beast has counted at least 10 GOP-controlled states that have introduced hardline immigration bills or proposals meant to deter migrants. While the bills vary in proposed application or severity, experts say all of them could threaten the federal government’s hold over immigration enforcement.