State immigrant rights movements continued to gain ground in 2023. “Health Care for All” campaigns achieved significant victories, while legislatures across the political spectrum expanded access to care for immigrant children and/or pregnant people.
California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and the District of Columbia enacted several immigrant inclusive measures. And Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia also adopted pro-immigrant laws or policies.
As detailed in this report, states improved access to driver’s licenses, higher education, professional licenses, childcare, tax credits, and nutrition assistance, protected workers’ rights, strengthened consumer privacy, and invested in access to counsel for immigrants. With a new Democratic trifecta, advocates in Minnesota secured a series of laws that had been championed for many years.
Read MoreOverview of Immigrant Eligibility for Federal Programs (Table)
Updated Oct 1, 2026 This table provides an overview of immigrant eligibility for the major federal public assistance programs. Originally published in November 2015.
Major Benefit Programs Available to Immigrants in California (Table)
Updated Sep 23, 2026 This table lists the programs for which certain immigrants residing in California are eligible. Originally published in May 2017.
Medical Assistance Programs for Immigrants in Various States (Table)
Updated Aug 24, 2026 This table outlines state policies for extending health coverage to more immigrant groups, including lawfully residing children and pregnant persons, regardless of their U.S. entry date, and providing prenatal care using CHIP funds, regardless...
NILC Responds to Trump’s Cruel ‘Public Charge’ Rule Change
Published Jul 16, 2026 Sarah Krieger, senior policy counsel at the National Immigration Law Center, issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration's finalized “public charge”...