States expected to push more confrontational immigration legislation

By Elizabeth Aguilera
January 15, 2011 at 10:33 a.m.

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BY THE NUMBERS
2005: 300 bills or resolutions introduced, 39 enacted

2006: 570 bills or resolutions introduced, 84 enacted

2007: 1,562 bills or resolutions introduced, 228 enacted

2008: 1,305 bills or resolutions introduced, 203 enacted

2009: 1,500 bills or resolutions introduced, 333 enacted

2010: 1,400 bills or resolutions introduced, 346 enacted
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States have pushed their way to the forefront of immigration-related lawmaking in recent years, citing the absence of federal legislative reform, and the tenor of their efforts is expected to intensify this year.

The number of such bills in 2011 probably won’t increase over past years’, but immigration experts said the proposals will be more confrontational in nature. The measures include a campaign to remove automatic citizenship for babies born in the U.S. to illegal immigrants, efforts to replicate a controversial Arizona law and creation of state guest-worker programs.

The most divisive bills, if they become law, would likely provoke lawsuits or other action from Congress, the White House or the U.S. Supreme Court.

“They are reflecting Congress’ inability to moveâ€