Increase in State Immigration Laws
States proposed more than 1400 pieces of legislation related to immigration between the beginning of 2007 and early July, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). "In the continued absence of a comprehensive federal reform of the United States' challenged immigration system, states have displayed an unprecedented level of activity - and have developed a variety of their own approaches and different solutions", declares a NCSL Press Release. According to the N.Y. Times, "every state debated immigration issues, and 41 states adopted immigration laws. A large number of new laws cracked down on employers who hire illegal immigrants." Other state laws focused on issues such as driver's licenses, public benefits, and medical aid as they relate to illegal immigrants.