The number of immigration laws passed by states in the United States soared by 83%

The number of immigration laws passed by states in the United States surged by 83% in the first half of this year compared with the same period last year. The National Conference of State Legislatures issued a statement on Wednesday...

Immigration regulations passed by states across the United States in the first half of this year soared by 83% compared with the same period last year. A report released Wednesday by the National Conference of State Legislatures showed that the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on Arizona's anti-immigration law has spurred many states to enact related laws.

According to Reuters, lawmakers in 43 states and the District of Columbia passed 146 immigration laws and 231 resolutions in the first half of the year, compared with 206 laws and resolutions in the same period last year.

The surge in immigration regulations in various states was first stimulated by the Supreme Court's ruling last June. That ruling upheld the most controversial part of Arizona's 2010 immigration law -- requiring police to check immigration status during traffic stops -- although it struck down three other provisions of that law.

Another factor in the surge in state immigration regulations is the government's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which gives temporary legal status to some young undocumented immigrants.

The National Conference of State Legislatures said in a news release that the Supreme Court decision and the deferred deportation policy spurred states to take action this year.

Identity document regulations account for the majority: 20 states have passed 34 regulations stipulating the conditions for obtaining a state-issued ID card or driver's license.

After the deferred deportation policy was introduced, 14 states passed laws allowing undocumented students to pay tuition according to the regulations for residents of the state.

Other relevant legislation passed by states includes funding for immigration enforcement, funding for English and naturalization training classes, and migrant worker and refugee programs.