Immigration a Hot Topic in Governors' Races

Politico reports that candidates in 20 (out of 37) of this year’s gubernatorial races favor tough anti-immigration measures, be they a Democrat, Republican, or third-party candidate. Not all initially campaigned in support; however, conversion is unsurprising given candidates’ desire to secure the confidence, and votes, of an electorate that, recent polling data suggests, increasingly favors tougher immigration laws.

Jobs remain scarce, benefits are decreasing, and supporters of strict immigration laws believe such measures will improve the outlook for both. Moreover, many voters are dismayed by the stalled federal immigration reform and, accordingly, are pressing state officials to take up the legislative mantle. Politico anticipates that, if these candidates prevail, there will be a surge of legislation mandating that employers use E-Verify to authenticate workers’ legal status, as well as of legislation concerning immigration status in relation to drivers’ licenses, public assistance, and education.

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