Date of Award

5-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Thesis

Department

Political Science

First Advisor

Ryan Daugherty

Second Advisor

Jason Lantzer

Abstract

The field of immigration policy is categorized broadly as an untouchable federal policy issue with nonexistent bipartisan legislation, that is vital in addressing tensions in the current political climate. The lack of response at the federal level has large repercussions for individuals in communities along the border who want things done who take on issues at the local level. State level responses are then exacted in the form of legislation whether these policies are based on data or stereotypes. States have made history for their restrictive immigration policies along the Southern border as tensions skyrocket. In some cases, the affected communities have developed inflated responses to minimal increases or decreases in immigration numbers. The validity of these policies is called into question as decreasing numbers would not necessitate more restrictive policies. However, the data from this comparative case study demonstrates that immigration policy is impacted far more by the actual presence of immigrants in these areas than surges in immigration encounters in a region. Therefore, it appears likely that states with decreased immigration may have overinflated their responses based on stereotypes as reflected in the policies they pass, in an effort to appease local constituencies. The immigration situation along the Southern border is tense and these feelings are exacerbated by lack of national policy responses. Thus, states respond to their constituencies as they have no other option, which leads them to a variety of policy outcomes that impact the conditions in the state, and as time continues without bipartisan compromises immigration policy continues its evolution.

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