Unsettled: Immigration in Turbulent Times

Episode 7: The role of states and localities

June 11, 2025

This episode explores how state and local governments significantly impact immigrants through policies that either support or resist federal enforcement. Some jurisdictions implement sanctuary measures to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities and promote inclusion, such as offering in-state tuition to undocumented students. Under the Trump administration, there has been increased pressure on localities to participate in immigration enforcement, including efforts to penalize sanctuary jurisdictions through lawsuits, funding cuts, and legal threats. Our guest speaker is Muzzafar Chishti, Senior Fellow and Director, Migration Policy Institute office at NYU School of Law.