Publication Date
Spring 5-2024
School
Helms School of Government
Major
Government: Politics and Policy
Keywords
immigration, politics, government, constitution
Disciplines
Immigration Law | Political Science
Recommended Citation
Lam, Theresa, "The Impact of Federalism on Immigration: A Reconstruction of the System to Alleviate the Immigration Crisis in America" (2024). Senior Honors Theses. 1433.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/1433
Abstract
Illegal immigration is a complex and relevant issue in the United States. In particular, its long-term implications for American communities has elevated its significance. Within America’s federalist system, the immigration dilemma has raised tension among federal, state, and local governments, which have different perspectives on how to approach the matter. The federal government is responsible for enforcing immigration laws but delegates numerous immigration responsibilities to state and local law enforcement. However, the degree to which local officials should cooperate with federal authorities is the subject of intense debate. Should immigration enforcement be a federal or local responsibility? Under federalism and other political principles, this responsibility should be uniquely shared and balanced in order to alleviate the immigration crisis.
