ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines the forces shaping the politics of immigration across states, which is now the object of a growing body of empirical research. It identifies partisan polarization as the central factor driving state policy. The book argues that the course of state policies is largely set by the prevalence of communities where immigrants have a presence spanning generations versus “new immigrant gateways,” where immigrant communities date to the 1990s or later. Grassroots restrictionism not only resonated with aggrieved white voters in states where new immigrant destinations predominated, but was better situated to counter resistance from immigrant communities and within Republican parties. The book turns to state legislative behavior, examining the patterns that inform partisan polarization on floor votes. It concludes with an assessment of immigration federalism.
