Anti-Immigrant Bills Stall in Red States as Businesses Push Back

Most of the roughly 200 bills targeting immigrants around the country this year have stalled or died, with help from business and Christian groups.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 6:56pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cinematic painting depicting an immigrant family sitting on a bench in a dimly lit urban setting, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a contemplative, nostalgic mood.A somber scene of an immigrant family seeking refuge in a public space, as state-level efforts to restrict their rights and access face growing opposition from the business community.Florida City Today

Most of the roughly 200 bills targeting legal and undocumented immigrants in state legislatures this year have stalled or died, with fewer than two dozen making it into law so far. Business leaders and Christian groups have helped block many of the most aggressive proposals, even in traditionally conservative states, citing concerns over workforce impacts and moral objections.

Why it matters

The failure of these anti-immigrant bills in red states represents a notable shift, as more Republican-controlled states have sought to implement the Trump administration's agenda to restrict immigration in the absence of federal action. The business community's opposition has emerged as a key factor in blocking these measures, highlighting the economic interests at odds with the political priorities.

The details

In Tennessee, Idaho, Utah, and other states, bills that would have denied public services to undocumented immigrants, required employers to use E-Verify, or prevented undocumented students from accessing public schools all failed to become law. Business leaders, Christian groups, and other community organizations mobilized to oppose the measures, arguing they would harm local economies and violate moral principles.

  • In March 2026, Republican Idaho state Sen. Brian Lenney expressed frustration that 'every single bill we got on illegal immigration' was being killed in the state legislature.
  • In early April 2026, a bill mandating E-Verify for all Idaho employers passed the state House but died in the Senate, exposing a divide between MAGA Republicans and the pro-business wing of the party.

The players

Jennie Murray

President of the National Immigration Forum, an advocacy organization that represents Fortune 500 companies.

Martha Boggs

Owner of Bistro at the Bijou, a neighborhood restaurant in Knoxville, Tennessee, who fiercely opposed a bill to deny undocumented students access to public schools.

Rick Naerebout

CEO of the Idaho Dairymen's Association, who lobbied against a bill that would have mandated E-Verify for all employers in the state.

Christian Welp

Director at the Catholic Diocese of Boise, who testified against a bill that would have made assisting undocumented immigrants a crime in Idaho.

Steven Killian

Spokesperson at the Arizona Bankers Association, which represents more than 50 banks and credit card companies that are 'opposed to this across the board' regarding a proposal to make it illegal for banks and check-cashing services to serve undocumented immigrants.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Business leaders across various industries are nervous about the many immigration-focused bills being proposed or that have recently passed at the state level, which negatively impact the workforce.”

— Jennie Murray, President, National Immigration Forum

“The damage it would do to Idaho's economy would be profound. I think business opposition very much had a key role in the Senate having a keen understanding of Idaho's economy and what would be at risk for Idahoans.”

— Rick Naerebout, CEO, Idaho Dairymen's Association

“Every priest knows that in every one of those [churches] many of the people in that congregation are here illegally. Is he supposed to lock the doors at the end of Mass to call the police?”

— Christian Welp, Director, Catholic Diocese of Boise

“A banker wants to be a banker. They don't want to be in the immigration business.”

— Steven Killian, Spokesperson, Arizona Bankers Association

What’s next

While the majority of anti-immigrant bills have stalled or died in state legislatures this year, the issue remains a priority for the Trump administration. The White House has suggested Texas lawmakers consider ending public education funding for undocumented children, though a bill has not yet been introduced. Additionally, a proposal in Arizona to make it illegal for banks and check-cashing services to serve undocumented immigrants is awaiting action in the state House after receiving unanimous support from Senate Republicans.

The takeaway

The failure of aggressive anti-immigrant legislation in traditionally conservative states highlights the growing divide between the political priorities of the Trump administration and the economic interests of the business community. As Congress remains gridlocked on immigration reform, this dynamic suggests that the path forward may require finding common ground between enforcement-focused policies and the workforce needs of local industries.