Municipal Immigrant Reception Amid Federal Restriction

Over the past two decades, local governments have played an increasingly active role in enacting policies impacting immigrants. In the face of congressional gridlock and minimal federal guidance on immigrant integration, municipal governments initially responded to growing numbers of immigrants by enacting policies aimed at welcoming new arrivals. However, since 2022, the U.S. has experienced a significant increase in immigration, asylum seekers have concentrated in large cities, which have struggled to house and accommodate them, and public opinion towards immigrants has become more polarized. Political scientists Abigail Williamson and Megan Dias will examine how these changes have impacted local responses to immigrants. They will conduct surveys and in-depth interviews for their study.