• Integrative policies are far more pervasive than punitive policies, with the later having been enacted only in a small minority of state populations

• Only 11% of undocumented immigrants live in states that have enacted comprehensive punitive policies, while a significant majority of undocumented immigrants live in states with positive integrative or somewhat integrative policies

• Nearly the same majority of undocumented immigrants live in states that are promoting “New Americans” policies to better educate new immigrants and nearly a majority also live in states that have recently enacted new penalties for wage law violations in order to raise wages for all workers, native and immigrant alike.

Despite the federal government’s failure to reform our immigration laws, most states understand that integrative and non-punitive immigration polices are better for our communities and our nation. States and localities considering anti-immigrant policies should give a close look at this report. Clearly, most states legislators get it, now is the time for the Suffolk County lawmakers. Tomorrow Sept. 16, the Long Island Immigrant Alliance and their supporters will be telling Suffolk legislators that inclusive and practical immigration policies are the way to go.