States Continue to Lead on Inclusive Immigration Policies: A 2023 Midyear Review of State Legislative Sessions

With most state legislatures having adjourned for the year, states—once again—continue to lead the way for welcoming immigrants and refugees.

The American Immigration Council tracked over 1,000 immigration-related bills during the 2023 state legislative session. With a few notable exceptions, most successful immigration bills this year aimed to make states more inclusive of immigrant populations, with the majority passing in bipartisan fashion. These include legislation to remove barriers to occupational licensure and employment, expand access to higher education, and bolster state resources to help immigrants access essential services and information.

Our data highlights the crucial role immigrants and refugees already play in supporting state and local economies. Yet, new Americans face barriers that limit their full civic and economic participation.

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